Last December, alongside the sickle cell community, I, bluebird bio, and so many people around the world celebrated the FDA approval of two transformative gene therapies for sickle cell disease after more than a decade of research and perseverance. While there is much work to be done in the US to eliminate bias and misunderstanding about SCD and to improve access to care and better health outcomes for those living with the disease – today, there is hope and a collective determination to do better.

Yet, in sub-Saharan Africa, where about 80% of sickle cell disease cases in the world occur between 50-80% of children living with sickle cell disease die before the age of five because they go undiagnosed or lack access to basic treatment. These children cannot be overlooked. Every family deserves access to screening, education, and basic medical care.

So – I’m lacing up my hiking boots, building my training playlist, and testing my limits further than ever before. This September, I am honored to represent bluebird bio on the Timmerman Traverse. I’ll be joining a 20-person team from across the biotech sector to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro, with the goal of raising $1 million for Sickle Forward, an organization committed to expanding newborn screening and treatment for SCD throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Direct matching funds will go towards SCD in the U.S.

By honoring my own health – I hope to raise awareness and resources to improve the health of others, and to make diagnosis and basic treatment of SCD available to all children. I hope you’ll consider making a generous donation and join me in making a difference for the global sickle cell community. Thank you for your support!