Leading Cancer Advocacy Organizations Back Proposition 38 To Advance Life-Saving Medical Research and Cures

Prostate Cancer Foundation, Blood Cancer United, GO2 for Lung Cancer, Melanoma Research Alliance and others back Prop 38 medical research for life-saving cures

SACRAMENTO, CA, UNITED STATES, August 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Leading cancer advocacy organizations representing patients and families confronting prostate, lung, blood, colorectal, liver, kidney, bladder, melanoma and other cancers are backing YES on Prop 38, the California Immunology Research & Cures Initiative on California’s November ballot.

Among others, the growing coalition of cancer organizations supporting YES on Prop 38 includes:
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Blood Cancer United
GO2 for Lung Cancer
Melanoma Research Alliance
FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered
International Myeloma Foundation
Kidney Cancer Association
Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network
Liver Coalition
Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
California Colorectal Cancer Coalition
City of Hope

“As a four-time cancer survivor, I've seen firsthand how years of scientific research can transform a patient's future,” said Lila Javan, Immunotherapy Patient and Cancer Survivor. “Immunotherapies gave me more hope and more time – something every patient and their family deserves.”

Immunotherapies harness the body’s own immune system to recognize and stop disease. Breakthrough immunotherapies are already saving and extending lives for patients with cancers including melanoma, lung cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, giving researchers a foundation to pursue the next generation of treatments and cures.

"Immunotherapy is changing the future of cancer care, but patients can’t afford for research to slow down," said Gina Carithers, President and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. "We urgently need sustained investment to accelerate breakthroughs and bring more life-saving treatments to patients and families.”

“Blood Cancer United strongly supports Prop 38,” said Adam Zarrin, Director of State Government Affairs for Blood Cancer United. “Prop 38 comes at a critical moment as federal research funding cuts and uncertainty threaten to delay medical research, clinical trials and future breakthroughs. The measure will create a stable source of funding for scientists and medical experts working to move promising discoveries forward.”

Prop 38 represents a new approach to medical research funding, creating a collaborative statewide network that combines competitive research grants with a world-class immunology institute designed to help turn discoveries into life-saving treatments and cures. Half of its $8.4 billion will support competitive grants at California universities and nonprofit research institutions, while the other half will support a nonprofit immunology institute affiliated with the University of California that can bring together leading scientists, technology, laboratories, patients and clinical trials. The California Department of Public Health will select an eligible institute based on strict criteria. Prop 38 also requires collaboration among grantees so discoveries, expertise and best practices can be shared across institutions rather than siloed.

Prop 38 also includes strong accountability and taxpayer protections. State administrative costs are capped at 2%, spending is subject to public disclosure and independent financial audits, and funding may only go to eligible California universities and nonprofit medical research institutions — not pharmaceutical companies or other for-profit corporations.

Yes on Prop 38 is supported by a broad coalition of patient advocates, doctors, nurses, scientists, researchers and medical organizations working on behalf of Californians affected by cancer and other devastating diseases.
Learn more at YESon38.com, including a full coalition list and what supporters are saying.


Ad paid for by YES on 38: Californians for Life-Saving Immunology Research and Cures, sponsored by the Michelson Center for Public Policy. Ad Committee’s Top Funders:
Gary K. Michelson and Affiliated Entity Michelson Center for Public Policy
Meyer Luskin
Funding Details at www.fppc.ca.gov

Robin Swanson
YES on Prop 38
press@Yeson38.com
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