In 1977, while working in New York as a fabric designer, Dale was diagnosed with a large inoperable malignant lymphatic tumor attached to her heart, lung and major arteries. After 6 months of chemotherapy and radiation at Sloan Kettering Hospital, the tumor had shrunk but was not entirely dissolved. Having exhausted all available conventional treatment, Dale became intensely involved in her own healing process, committing deeply to nutrition through the guidance of a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Juan Cursio, as well as visualization, meditation and life style changes. After three years of continued focus on nutrition, inner work and detoxification, Dale was retested by CAT scan and declared cancer free.

In response to growing inquires, Dale eventually parlayed her healing experiences and the valuable resources discovered, into her book, Health After Cancer. Shortly after, Dr. Cursio retired, and with few people trained to carry on this extraordinary healing tradition, Dale felt drawn to return to school and study nutrition at The American Holistic College of Nutrition. She acquired her Ph.D. in Nutrition in 1986 and shortly after, developed a Nutritional Consultation practice in Laguna Beach, CA. In 1993 she moved her practice to Santa Barbara, CA and began teaching ‘The Basics of Nutrition’ at the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine, as well as presenting nutritional seminars throughout the United States and Europe. Realizing the great need to educate children wisely before poor food habits became too deeply ingrained, she wrote the book, Eat Smart The Smarter Choice for Healthy Kids.