Scientists and survivors

The man who studied cancer for a living was blindsided.

“That was one of the more surrealistic moments of my career—to be on both sides of the fence,” says Halk, now 69.

Halk’s research at Bristol Myers Squibb helped create a drug designed to boost a type of cancer-fighting cell.  

It’s part of a growing area of science known as immunotherapy that, in essence, uses the body’s own immune system to help fight certain cancers.   

Halk continued his work throughout six months of cancer treatment. The experience not only kept his mind off his own cancer but also instilled a personal motivation for his research. 

While he says he now has a clean bill of health, Halk’s cancer history serves as a constant reminder of the importance of his work. “I’m aware every day of what I do,” he says.

The passion Halk and Zupa-Fernandez have for helping others with similar diseases extends beyond their research. 

After his cancer treatment ended, Halk joined a cycling team to raise funds for cancer research, a physical pursuit he carried on even after his cancer returned in 2006, requiring him to undergo additional treatment. 

Cycling on scenic California roads strengthened his mind and body, even during treatment. Another unexpected benefit, Halk says: “I got to meet so many phenomenal people I never would have met if I hadn’t experienced cancer myself.” 

Zupa-Fernandez also hits the pavement, in her case as part of an annual charity walk to benefit autoimmune disease research, an outing she’s made for years. 

This year, she led a Bristol Myers Squibb team and raised enough money that her group placed in the top 10 in fundraising. (“I’m a little bit tenacious,” she says, with a laugh). 

Whether in or outside of the lab, both speak to the importance of medical research based on personal experience. 

“I honestly feel lucky I can get up in the morning every day and come to work,” says Zupa-Fernandez, a classically-trained ballerina who recently took up tap dancing in her spare time. “For a while, I didn’t think that could be possible. 

“There were times maybe I felt a little bit defeated, but I’m still standing here in a lab looking at cells through a microscope and realizing we might not be that far from finding an answer.”

Halk, who saw the drug he researched become available to patients, knows that the immunotherapy field remains in its infancy. He hopes that new research will be the key to helping those suffering from a host of diseases.

He thinks of fellow patients he met during his own cancer treatment, some of whom did not survive.

“That gives you a very different perspective on what it is you’re doing and for whom,” he says.