You can take a leap off the precipice of opportunity or, maybe you prefer the mundane status quo.
Some thoughts as I watch the sunrise on a Sunday morning... I am taking a leap, and you're welcome to join me.
As AI becomes more ubiquitous in medical research, the ability to become smarter, faster becomes more of a reality. This is critically important in the development of novel diagnostics and therapies for cancer care where, speed can equal life. While I don’t believe AI replaces the biology and chemistry necessary to develop breakthroughs, our ability to wrap our knowledge around the complexities of cancers and the opportunities that may already exist or the improving ability to make connections not previously envisioned, is extremely essential. The good news, it is more of a reality than we think.
I have been privileged to discuss these opportunities for AI and cancer research with many dedicated, intelligent and inspiring researchers, doctors, business leaders and founders. The breakthroughs brought forward by these modern day adventurers are out there, but they are often stuck in the existing model of how these breakthroughs usually come to market. There may be a common vision, and there are many missions to change the status quo - that’s encouraging. The ecosystem however, requires some further evolution, and it is required now.
It's not hubris, it's reality
The world of private capital still is more enamored with what I call, the over intellectualization of the mundane. You can’t blame them, the timelines to return can take much longer in the med-tech and bio space and come with more risk…but the opportunities are much more profound, and the potential impact, life changing. That’s not hubris, it’s reality. While sometimes we may think that turning cancer from a possible death sentence to a more chronic and consistently treatable disease is a hopeless goal, those hopes are being given new life with the collaboration and growing symbiosis between natural science and artificial intelligence.
Government regulation around who can invest and prevailing restrictions keep a significant amount of capital out of these opportunities. A person bound by these existing rules has limited options and often turn to supporting indirectly through charity. While this is not all bad, the need for choice when it comes to where your money goes is more limited than you would think in such an open market society. Change is imminent but not without the support required to drive new ideas through the legislative process.
Regulation also plays a large part in the timelines and significant expense affecting these opportunities. While the changes being discussed are encouraging, making them a reality takes valuable time, and resources. The public voice needs to be louder and their input more reflective in the solutions proposed.
What am I doing about it?
My efforts in this space all aim to bring innovation and success to cancer diagnostics and treatment. My entire focus is on bringing these opportunities to real patients dealing with cancer, pancreatic or any other versions of this insidious disease, and raise the level of hope for all who encounter cancer. This requires a plan, one that I have been developing by concatenating the abyss of information, wisdom and experience I have been exposed to throughout this journey.
The 3 key elements of my strategy include:
Creating supportive and substantial private capital flow to promising opportunities. My work at CANCER FUND Impact Investments™ is beyond inspirational as I witness the nascent companies fighting their way into existence and focused on saving lives. Capital is more important now than ever in this space. Ensuring that viable and achievable goals are supported requires a community to create real, sustainable impact.
Shaping and or influencing the current environment / legal framework to be more supportive of these opportunities by: ensuring public capital is more accessible, effective and efficient. I am driving change and having the conversations to make these opportunities more accessible to the average investor. Too many are not given the opportunity to support opportunity because of existing laws and regulations.
Connecting and creating a more collaborative environment for the dedicated professionals driving relevant change in the existing ecosystem of cancer focused diagnostics and treatment. This is a fascinating world of real people, doing amazing things in the world of bio-science and technology.
Not as easy as it sounds
Admittedly, this is not as straightforward, easily absorbed or manifested as I have laid it out. However, I am committed to getting it done. My own experience with pancreatic cancer is not the norm and that to me is not right. Too many have lost loved ones to the myriad of complexities that shroud cancer with a ‘protective’ layer that has proven insurmountable in too many cases. Nonetheless, as long as I have a voice and the energy to drive change, I won’t quit.
The reality is I can’t do this alone. My efforts are strategically divided to effectively support my 3 foundational pillars of success. CANCER FUND Impact Investments™ and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network have been my foundation on which I am building and executing my plan.
If you are interested in being part of something transformational, I encourage you to reach out. Let’s talk about how we break down existing barriers in the current environment to drive change to the next level. You can connect with me via LinkedIn or email me at either of the addresses below. Thank you and I hope you're enjoying your Sunday morning.