David Hale is the Chairman and CEO of Hale BioPharma Ventures, LLC. Mr. Hale is a serial entrepreneur involved in the formation and development of a number of biomedical companies, including Hybritech, Gensia, CancerVax, Micromet, SkinMedica & Santarus. He is currently a co-founder and Director of Neurelis, Inc., Dermata, Inc., and a co-founder and Chairman of Oncternal Therapeutics, Inc. He is also a co-founder and Chairman of The Rady Institute of Genomic Medicine and a director of Rady Children’s Hospital.

David’s cancer journey began unexpectedly with a bad golf swing. Initially attributing the pain in his shoulder to a pulled muscle, however, as the pain intensified, he sought medical advice for a torn rotator cuff from an orthopedic surgeon friend, who insisted that he have an MRI done. Due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced a delay in being able to schedule an MRI. When the MRI was finally conducted, it revealed that David had multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting the blood and bone.

He underwent a 14-treatment radiation regimen at UCSD, targeting his shoulder, along with a standard chemotherapy regimen. The combined toll of cancer and chemotherapy left him unable to walk. Concerned that the damage to his legs might be permanent, David was relieved when a test showed that it shouldn’t be. At 71, he began the strenuous process of relearning how to walk through physical therapy. After a long nine months, he regained the ability to drive, and walk, although somewhat assisted with a walker or cane.

Now in remission, David currently takes chemo daily, and occasionally experiences difficult days, but considers them a small price to pay for being in remission. His experience has taught him that cancer’s impact, and its treatment, varies greatly among individuals. Although he can no longer enjoy golf or pickleball, David remains committed to staying active, aiming to do as much as he can for as long as he can.

David emphasizes the critical importance of supporting the American Cancer Society for the groundbreaking research it funds, leading to significant advancements in cancer treatment.