YES on Prop 38 launches ad campaign to back $8.4 billion research measure

The YES on Proposition 38 campaign has launched its first TV ad in California, using a cancer survivor’s story to build support for a measure that would raise $8.4 billion for immunology research. The campaign says the initiative could speed treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s and other diseases as federal research funding faces uncertainty.

Why it matters: - Proposition 38 would direct $8.4 billion toward immunology research aimed at preventing and treating cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and other persistent diseases. - Supporters say the measure could help speed the next generation of life-saving treatments for patients facing conditions such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, ALS, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis. - The campaign is betting that patient stories will help turn public attention into votes in a statewide contest with major health care implications.

What happened: - YES on Prop 38 launched its first advertisement this week in California. - The ad features Andrew Dale, a Santa Monica cancer survivor and immunotherapy patient, who says a breakthrough treatment cured his cancer. - The launch begins a broader statewide voter contact campaign featuring patients and advocates affected by cancer, Alzheimer’s, ALS and Parkinson’s disease. - The campaign points voters to YESon38.com for a coalition list and supporter statements.

The details: - Dale said he is alive because researchers and doctors found an immunotherapy that cured his cancer. - Dale was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2015, went through chemotherapy, then entered a clinical trial for a breakthrough immunotherapy. - Dale says he was cancer-free six months later and has been in remission for a decade. - Dale is a father of two, is married to his college sweetheart and later completed the Lake Tahoe Century bike ride after making that goal from his hospital bed. - Dale also met Dr. Steven Rosen, one of the researchers whose work helped save his life, and described that meeting by saying, “People like you saved my life.” - The campaign says recent polling by the Public Policy Institute of California found 55% of likely voters plan to vote yes on Prop 38. - The measure says 10% of proceeds from licensing immunotherapies must be returned to California to offset total costs, including interest. - The measure also says California patients would get any cure or immunotherapy developed at a 20% discount below the national average. - The proposal includes a 2% cap on state administrative expenses. - The proposal requires public disclosure of spending and independent financial audits. - For-profit corporations would not be eligible for grant funding.

Between the lines: - The campaign is tying the measure to urgency around medical innovation at a time when federal research funding has been uncertain. - The release says federal funding uncertainty halted at least 160 active clinical trials nationwide in 2025. - By centering a survivor whose treatment came through a clinical trial, YES on Prop 38 is framing the initiative as both a research investment and a patient access issue. - The accountability provisions appear designed to answer voter concerns about the cost and oversight of a large public financing plan.

What's next: - The campaign is preparing additional voter outreach across California using patient and caregiver voices. - Supporters will continue promoting the measure ahead of Election Day as they argue it can fund new treatments and help California patients get them faster. - The campaign says more information, coalition names and supporter comments are available on YESon38.com.