Gov. Beshear Honors Childhood Cancer Survivors, Celebrates Record $14 Million State Budget Allocation for Research

Governor signs proclamation for fourth annual David Turner Jr. Ice Cream Day

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 21, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced three proclamations recognizing childhood brain cancer survivors and bereaved families and celebrated that Kentucky recently allocated a record $14 million through the state budget to support research.

The Governor proclaimed May 2024 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month; May 17, 2024, as DIPG Awareness Day; and May 21, 2024, as the fourth annual David Turner Jr. Ice Cream Day.

“Childhood cancer is the No. 1 cause of death by disease in children. As a dad, and as Governor, I will not sit back and accept those statistics,” Gov. Beshear said. “I’m proud to have worked with the General Assembly to take action for our kids, securing a record $14 million in state funding for research to help find a cure.”

In 2015, the commonwealth became one of the first states in the nation to dedicate funding for childhood cancer research. That year, the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund (KPCRTF) was established by Senate Bill 82 and was funded with $2.5 million each year of the biennium as part of the 2018 budget. In 2022, the budget bill included $2.5 million in base funding per fiscal year, as well as an additional one-time allocation of $3.75 million per fiscal year.

Gov. Beshear has supported childhood cancer research since his first days in office. In February 2020, he and First Lady Britainy Beshear met David Turner Jr., who was battling DIPG, an aggressive form of brain cancer. That day, David Jr. said he wanted to use the Governor’s proclamation pen to declare National Ice Cream Day.

During the last year of his life, David Jr. visited the state Capitol many times to advocate for other children with cancer and for all Kentuckians who were at higher risk for COVID-19 complications. He even joined one of the Governor’s press briefings and shared a message on his social media pages.

On May 21, 2021, David Jr. passed away from DIPG at age 9. Just a few hours later, Gov. Beshear proclaimed May 21, 2021, as the first David Turner Jr. Ice Cream Day in the commonwealth, a tradition he will continue every year he is Governor.

“Britainy and I will never forget David Jr. and the impact he had on us and on families across Kentucky who are battling this disease,” Gov. Beshear said. “It’s an honor to help carry on his legacy, alongside his parents, Liz and David Sr., and so many advocates from across the state who joined us today.”

“We are thrilled to announce the Kentucky General Assembly and Gov. Beshear designated $14 million in the 2024-2026 budget for pediatric cancer research,” said Elizabeth Turner, mother of David Turner Jr. and president of the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund. “These crucial funds will be used for novel research initiatives benefiting children and families in Kentucky affected by childhood cancer. This is just the beginning, thanks to Kentucky’s commitment to funding innovative childhood cancer research right here in the Bluegrass State! This historic appropriation would not have been possible without the tireless support of our advocates, families, legislative champions, researchers, providers, nurses and pediatric cancer care team members!”

“I made wonderful memories with my brother, Kyler, until he couldn’t do most things like before he was sick,” said 14-year old Jakob Buckner, whose younger brother, Kyler, died of DIPG in March 2021. “I slowly realized he was not getting better. I spent months with him hanging out on the couch. We laughed, played video games, watched TV and spent time together. When he passed away, I was heartbroken. DIPG is a real issue and we need to fight back.”