The New York Cancer Foundation honored an Abilene Christian University alumnus whose pioneering work in precision medicine helps patients receive better quality care through individualized treatment. David Dean Halbert (’78) received the Courage and Grace Award at the fourth annual Raising Hope Gala in New York City.
The award was presented by Dr. Jeffrey Vacirca, CEO of New York Cancer and Blood Specialists and chair of the New York Cancer Foundation.Vacirca described Halbert as “a visionary” and “one of my heroes.”
“We are deeply grateful for David’s dedication to advancing cancer care and for his tireless work in pushing the boundaries of innovation,” Vacirca said. “His work exemplifies the courage and grace we celebrate.”
Halbert is the chairman, founder and CEO of Caris Life Sciences, a pioneering precision medicine company that helps patients receive better quality care through access to individualized medicine. With more than 40 years of experience, and a strong track record of growth and value creation in the energy, financial and healthcare industries, Halbert continues to be one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the United States.
“David’s contributions to emerging medical research are quite simply astounding and world changing,” said Dr. Phil Schubert (’91), ACU president. “We are so proud of his pioneering leadership in a field that will save millions of lives.”
A 1978 graduate of ACU, Halbert was presented with an honorary doctorate from the university in May. He and his wife, Kathy (Gay ‘78), live in Colleyville, and their three children are all alumni of ACU. Over the years, the Halberts have provided for several endowed scholarships and funds to help build the Hunter Welcome Center. As part of ACU’s Vision in Action campaign in 2014, the Halberts gave $15 million through the Caris Foundation, making possible the Halbert-Walling Research Center, a 54,000-square-foot building for science labs, classrooms and offices, as well as $3 million toward Wildcat Stadium, providing for the Chuck Sitton Tower that houses suites, club level spaces and the press box.
Halbert and his family also created and solely support the Caris Foundation, a non-profit, private foundation that aids impoverished people by helping to provide for their basic needs. Established in 2002, and headquartered in Colleyville, Texas, the Caris Foundation seeks to establish a local presence within communities in order to understand the people’s basic needs and implement solutions that are culturally relevant and sustainable across Africa and Haiti. The foundation employs more than 400 people, with Kathy Halbert serving as president. She was honored with ACU’s Outstanding Alumnus of the Year award in 2022 for her work with the Caris Foundation.
In accepting the award at the gala, Halbert reflected on the passing of his mother from multiple myeloma in 2003, leading him to adopt the “mom rule” in his work and practice: treat every patient as you would your mom.
“Precision medicine helps patients receive better quality care through access to individualized treatment, and I believe every patient should be treated with the same care and compassion as if they were your own mother,” he said.
The Raising Hope Gala raised more than $1.2 million to support cancer patients struggling with everyday living expenses and transportation to medical appointments. Learn more by watching this video from the New York Cancer Foundation.
About New York Cancer Foundation
The New York Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that offers financial assistance grants for non-medical expenses to patients with a cancer diagnosis throughout New York State. The foundation strives to relieve some of the financial burden patients face so they may focus on their treatment and healing.