Marc Yale was diagnosed in 2007 with Cicatricial Pemphigoid, a rare autoimmune blistering skin disease. Like others with a rare disease, he experienced delays in diagnosis and difficulty finding a knowledgeable physician. Eventually, Marc lost the vision in his left eye from the disease. This inspired him to help others with the disease. In 2008, he joined the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation (IPPF) as a Peer Health Coach. He worked with people to improve their quality of life and encouraged them become self-advocates. In 2009, he helped develop the Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Comprehensive Disease Profile giving experts insight into the patient perspective. In 2016, Marc became the Executive Director of the IPPF. He has recently become the Advocacy & Research Coordinator of the IPPF so that he can focus on research and advocate for all of those affected by pemphigus and pemphigoid. He is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology Drug Transparency Task Force and sits on the Executive Board of Directors for The International Alliance for Dermatological Patient Organizations as their Treasurer. Marc also sits on the Board of Directors of Haystack Project.
Marc currently resides in Ventura, California with his wife of 30 years.