Dear Friends and Supporters, This year, I’m once again taking on the challenge of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro as part of the 2025 Summits for Sickle Cell Hike—a mission to raise awareness, expand global newborn screening, and bring hope to the millions impacted by sickle cell disease. Last year, with your support, we raised over $1.25 million and helped the first patient with sickle cell disease reach the summit of Kilimanjaro—a historic milestone powered by science, preparation, and community. Now, we build on that momentum. For me, this is personal. I began this journey during my MD/PhD training at UNC-Chapel Hill after losing a close family friend to sickle cell complications. That loss shaped my career as a physician, researcher, and founder of Functional Fluidics, where we’re advancing innovative diagnostics and therapies for red blood cell disorders around the world. This year, I’ve set a goal to raise $25,000 to honor the resilience of those living with sickle cell disease. Climbing this mountain is symbolic—but the real summit is equitable access to care, better treatments, and brighter futures for patients everywhere. Whether you’re a returning sponsor or considering a gift for the first time, your support is critical. Every dollar fuels research, access, and awareness. Let’s keep moving this mission forward—together. With gratitude, Patrick Hines, MD, PhD Founder & CEO, Functional Fluidics