As I approach my 50th journey around the sun, I find myself reflecting on the blessings that have enriched my life. I've been privileged to walk a path illuminated by opportunity and purpose. Amidst these blessings, one commitment has remained steadfast: my dedication to improving the lives of those battling sickle cell disease. This journey began during my MD/PhD training at UNC-Chapel Hill, where a close family friend died suddenly from complications related to sickle cell disease. This fueled my determination to devote my career to researching the complexities of this condition. Guided by mentors like Leslie Parise at UNC, Kwaku Ohene-Frempoing and Kim Smith-Whitely at CHOP, I honed my expertise and forged a path dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals affected by sickle cell disease. From there, my journey led me to the Children's Hospital of Michigan and WSU School of Medicine in Detroit, where I had the privilege of working with pioneers such as Drs Ingrid Sarnaik, Paul Swerdlow, and Wanda Whitten-Shurney. I cared for children in the pediatric ICU and built an academic lab that conducted groundbreaking research aimed at advancing treatments and therapies for this often-overlooked community. It was during this time that I recognized the immense need for global collaboration and innovation to tackle the challenges faced by those living with sickle cell disease. Driven by this realization, I founded Functional Fluidics, a pioneering endeavor aimed at catalyzing the development of life-changing therapies for individuals battling sickle cell disease worldwide. Through our collective efforts, we've made significant strides, but there's still much ground to cover. As I celebrate 50 years of life, I am compelled to honor this milestone in a manner befitting of the journey that has led me here. Thus, I've embarked on a mission: to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest peak, in honor of those living with sickle cell disease. This endeavor, while undoubtedly daunting, pales in comparison to the struggles endured by individuals living with sickle cell disease. It's a testament to the resilience and strength of those battling this condition each day. As part of this journey, I've set an ambitious goal: to raise $50,000 in support of the diagnosis and treatment of individuals living with sickle cell disease. While not everyone can join me on Kilimanjaro, I invite you to stand with me by supporting this cause. Your generous contributions will not only propel me towards the summit but will also serve as a beacon of hope for individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease. Here’s to 50!