As a pediatric hematolgist/oncologist, I have dedicated my career to supporting warriors with sickle cell disease in the US and around the world.  I have witnessed the ways that lack of access to clinical care, limited funding, and general stigma have hampered improvements in clinical outcomes and quality of life.  While I am excited about the recent research and treatment advances in the US, there is still so much work to be done for patients around the world!

Sickle Cell Disease has been labeled a "forgotten" illness in sub-Saharan Africa and far too many individuals lack basic access to diagnosis and treatment. Sickle Forward is working to change this. We advance rapid diagnosis and resource-directed treament of SCD in Africa.  Since 2011, Sickle Forward has partnered with in-country leaders in Mali to screen over 20,000 infants and recently launched a program that will suppport screening of 100,000 infants in Mali and Togo over the next 2 years!  We look forward to initiating many more newborn screening and treatment programs throughout Africa with funds raised through the Timmerman Traverse for Sickle Foward!

I'm very excited to join this passionate group of participants from across the biotech community in a quest to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro in honor of those affected by sickle cell disease!  

Thank you in advance for supporting my goal of raising $50,000 for the Timmerman Traverse! Together we can reach new heights for individuals with sickle cell disease!