Survivors of pediatric cancer and families who have lost children to the disease urged Iowa lawmakers Wednesday to approve legislation that would establish a dedicated stream of state funding for pediatric cancer research, sharing emotional testimony about the toll of the disease and the need for better treatments.
Devyn Kaas of Lansing, at age 15 months, plays with a stethoscope during an appointment at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City on March 1, 2024. Devyn was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at 7 months. Now 3, she has been in remission since early 2024. Her father, Scott Kaas, spoke to Iowa lawmakers Wednesday, April 1, 2026, about passing a bill that would fund pediatric cancer research.
Isabelle Ireland of Sigourney, a survivor of a rare ovarian cancer, testifies before Iowa lawmakers Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in support of increased funding for pediatric cancer research.
Devyn Kaas (center) with her mother Brooke and father Scott are shown at their home in Lansing on Jan. 1, 2026. Devyn, 3, was treated for a type of bone marrow cancer when she was 7 months old. Scott Kaas talked to Iowa lawmakers Wednesday, April 1, 2026, about the need for more money to research pediatric cancer.
Scott Kaas of Lansing, whose daughter Devyn was diagnosed with leukemia as an infant, speaks to Iowa lawmakers Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in support of legislation to fund pediatric cancer research at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Devyn Kaas rings the bell given to her to commemorate the end of her cancer treatments as her mother, Brooke, watches at their home in Lansing on Jan. 1, 2026. Devyn, 3, was treated for a type of bone marrow cancer when she was 7 months old.
Scott Kaas of Lansing, whose daughter Devyn was diagnosed with leukemia as an infant, speaks to Iowa lawmakers Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in support of legislation to fund pediatric cancer research at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Isabelle Ireland of Sigourney, a survivor of a rare ovarian cancer, testifies before Iowa lawmakers Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in support of increased funding for pediatric cancer research.
Devyn Kaas of Lansing, at age 15 months, plays with a stethoscope during an appointment at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City on March 1, 2024. Devyn was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at 7 months. Now 3, she has been in remission since early 2024. Her father, Scott Kaas, spoke to Iowa lawmakers Wednesday, April 1, 2026, about passing a bill that would fund pediatric cancer research.
Devyn Kaas (center) with her mother Brooke and father Scott are shown at their home in Lansing on Jan. 1, 2026. Devyn, 3, was treated for a type of bone marrow cancer when she was 7 months old. Scott Kaas talked to Iowa lawmakers Wednesday, April 1, 2026, about the need for more money to research pediatric cancer.
Devyn Kaas rings the bell given to her to commemorate the end of her cancer treatments as her mother, Brooke, watches at their home in Lansing on Jan. 1, 2026. Devyn, 3, was treated for a type of bone marrow cancer when she was 7 months old.
