Congresswoman Simon Secures Over $1 MILLION in Federal Funding for Pediatric Blood Disorder Research Center at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
OAKLAND, CA -- Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) recently secured $1,031,000 in Community Project Funding for the establishment of a Pediatric Blood Disorder Research Center at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. This $1 million in federal funding will go towards the establishment of a new pediatric blood disorder research center to advance hematological research related to sickle cell disease, leukemia, thalassemia and other conditions. Today, she joined researchers, physicians, and hospital leadership in Oakland to announce the funding and discuss plans for the new research center.
In 2104, Congresswoman Simon lost her husband, Kevin Weston, to a very rare form of blood cancer called T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia. Innovative technologies and a clinical trial gave their family two more years together. In Congress, Congresswoman Simon is dedicated to ensuring other families have the same access to care and the same hope for a cure. While Republicans defund healthcare research and gut Medicaid, Congresswoman Simon is fighting for research funding and equitable, accessible care. This investment bolsters Oakland’s position as a center for innovation and hope for families battling pediatric blood disorders.
This $1,031,000 in Community Project funding is a part of the $11.2 million dollars that Congresswoman Simon secured for 15 projects across the East Bay in Fiscal Year 2026. Each fiscal year, members of Congress can submit Community Project Funding requests for consideration to the House Committee on Appropriations. You can read about the 15 projects that Congresswoman Simon secured funding for in her first year here
“Research and medical innovation save lives. This fight is personal for me, and I will always fight for affordable, accessible healthcare and advancing medical research in Congress,” said Congresswoman Simon. “I am thrilled to announce this $1 million Community Project Funding grant for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. I look forward to seeing how this funding supports the work of incredible researchers and provides answers for families facing unimaginable health challenges.”
“This project marks another chapter in our legacy of research and treatment for pediatric blood disorders,” said Nicholas Holmes, MD, MBA, President of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. “Rep. Lateefah Simon is a tireless advocate for the health and wellness of children and families, and we are grateful for her work securing funds that benefit our communities. This investment will build on our longstanding commitment to Oakland and our ability to deliver the very best care for generations to come.”
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