Denise Coley backs California immunology research ballot measure

Parkinson’s patient and advocate Denise Coley is urging Californians to vote yes on Proposition 38, a proposed $8.4 billion immunology research initiative. The measure would fund research aimed at diseases including Parkinson’s, while setting cost controls, audit requirements and a patient discount on resulting treatments.

Why it matters: - Proposition 38 would direct $8.4 billion toward immunology research focused on curing and preventing cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and other persistent diseases. - Supporters say the measure could also accelerate research for Parkinson’s, diabetes, ALS, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis. - The proposal comes as federal research uncertainty has stalled discoveries, with at least 160 active clinical trials nationwide halted in 2025. - Denise Coley says faster progress could mean greater independence, financial relief and a better quality of life for families living with Parkinson’s and other severe diseases.

What happened: - Denise Coley published a guest opinion piece on Oct. 29, 2026, backing Proposition 38, the Immunology Medical Research & Cures Initiative. - Coley is a Parkinson’s patient and advocate in Morgan Hill, California. - Coley said she is supporting the measure alongside The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. - Coley was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in January 2018. - Coley is the third person in two generations on her mother’s side of the family to receive the diagnosis.

The details: - Proposition 38 would use immunotherapy research to help the body’s immune system prevent and treat disease. - Immunotherapies are already being used successfully for melanoma, lung cancer, leukemia and lymphoma. - The measure is structured to pay for itself, with 10% of all proceeds from licensing immunotherapies returned to California to offset the initiative’s total costs, including interest. - Any cure or immunotherapy developed would be provided to California patients at a 20% discount below the national average. - Proposition 38 includes a 2% cap on state administrative expenses. - The measure requires public disclosure of spending and independent financial audits. - For-profit corporations would not be eligible for grant funding. - Coley said her family’s story is not rare and that millions of California families understand the burden of Parkinson’s disease.

Between the lines: - Coley’s argument ties medical research to both health outcomes and household finances, not just scientific progress. - The campaign is framing Proposition 38 as a response to stalled federal funding and a way to keep research moving in California. - The measure’s supporters are trying to build trust by emphasizing oversight, spending limits and patient price protections. - Coley’s advocacy also highlights health equity and under-engaged communities, suggesting the campaign is reaching beyond a single-disease audience.

What’s next: - Voters will decide whether Proposition 38 advances in California. - Supporters are directing voters to YESon38.com for coalition information and supporter statements. - If approved, the initiative would begin channeling funding into immunology research and related oversight systems.

The bottom line: - Proposition 38 is being pitched as both a research accelerator and a cost-controlled investment in future treatments, with Denise Coley putting a personal face on the campaign.