After years of suffering from leukemia, Angela Ostermann is cancer-free. She said the research conducted at Moffitt Cancer Center is the reason she's alive.
"The type of cancer I had, if I had gotten it 10 years prior, it was one of the most fatal forms of leukemia and because of the research that came, there was a drug that came out," Ostermann said. "It ended up saving my life."
It's why Ostermann joined Florida's governor at Moffitt Cancer Center Wednesday to celebrate funding for more cancer research.
Ten million was allotted to Moffitt by the state legislature this past legislative session. Researchers said every dollar goes a long way towards helping patients.
"This is really an unprecedented time in cancer research," said researcher Robert Gillies.
Gillies is the researcher of the year at Moffitt Cancer Center. Currently, his team is using state money to determine quicker and more precise ways to detect cancer. And it's that type of research, Governor Scott touted during his visit.
"We're highlighting the state's commitment, the legislature, my commitment, to make sure we have money for cancer research," said Florida Governor Rick Scott.
Patients like Ostermann just hope with more state dollars, more lives can be saved.