In this deeply personal episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the AACR, sits down with two of his lifelong friends, Steve Hatlestad and Dave Clark. Over the course of a remarkable 58-year friendship, these men have shared countless moments, from basketball games in their youth to supporting each other through life’s greatest challenges, including battles with cancer.

Steve and Dave share their inspiring stories of resilience, their personal cancer journeys, and the profound impact of friendship and family in overcoming obstacles. From initial diagnoses to navigating treatments, they reflect on lessons learned, the power of community, and their hopes for the future. Together, they discuss how sports, teamwork, and mentorship have shaped their outlook on life and fueled their ability to confront cancer head-on.

Our Guests on this Episode

Steve Hatlestad is a throat cancer survivor, retired senior living executive, and advocate for positivity and resilience in the face of cancer.

Dave Clark is a 20-year gastrointestinal stromal tumors survivor, retired auditor, and passionate supporter of hope and advocacy for cancer patients.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Impact of Friendship: Mitch, Steve, and Dave reflect on their 58-year friendship and the power of having a strong support system during difficult times.

2. Cancer Journeys: Steve shares his battle with throat cancer, from diagnosis and treatment to the challenges of recovery.

Dave recounts his experience with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), the pivotal role of medical breakthroughs like Gleevec, and the heroes who saved his life.

3. Family and Community Support: Both guests highlight the vital role family and friends played in their journeys, providing emotional and practical support during treatment and recovery.

4. The Lessons of Sports and Teamwork: How their shared background in sports and teamwork prepared them to face the challenges of cancer with determination and resilience.

5. Advocacy and Mentorship: Steve and Dave emphasize the importance of mentorship, advocating for others, and staying proactive about health through regular screenings and seeking medical care.

Dave’s mission is to share hope with newly diagnosed patients through his own experience.

Takeaways and Inspirational Moments

Attitude Matters: Both Steve and Dave underscore the importance of maintaining a positive outlook when facing adversity.

Community and Connection: Building and leaning on a strong support system is crucial in navigating the emotional and physical challenges of cancer.

Paying It Forward: Their advocacy work and commitment to sharing their stories highlight the importance of supporting others and advancing cancer research.

To Our Listeners

Thank you for listening to the Believe in Progress podcast. Keep believing in progress and the power of community in the fight against cancer. Together, we can bring innovation to countless lives.

Your support drives progress in the fight against cancer. Please consider subscribing to the podcast, sharing this episode, and visiting AACR.org to learn how you can contribute to lifesaving cancer research. Every action, including donations, helps drive progress. You can make a gift to advance cancer science and medicine at AACR.org/Donate.

Cancer Research Saves Lives®

Check out more episodes of Believe in Progress at AACR.org/BelieveInProgress. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Production Credits

Host: Mitch Stoller

Guests: Dave Clark and Steve Hatlestad

Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes

Executive Producer: Michael Leary

Associate Producer: Heather Holland

Director: Anthony Lopes

Creative Director/Director of Photography: Michael Leary

Second Camera: Geoffrey Nichols

Editor: Michael Leary

This episode is produced by CollegeCast LLC.