2026 Timmerman Traverse summits Mt. Kilimanjaro and raises over $1.2M for cancer research

By the time this year’s Timmerman Traverse team of biotech executives and investors embarked upon their journey to Mt. Kilimanjaro, they had already raised $1 million for Damon Runyon’s scientists. So they set their sights—and their altitude—higher. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the team reached the mountain’s summit (elev. 19,341 feet) and exceeded their fundraising goal, raising over $1.2 million for cancer research.

Along the way, they watched the sun rise, marveled at the beauty of the region’s unique plants, sang and danced with their Tanzanian guides, and did their best to stay hydrated to combat the effects of altitude.

“One week ago, hardly anyone on this team knew each other. Now, plans are being hatched for reunions and follow-up calls,” said biotech journalist and Traverse founder Luke Timmerman. “I have no doubt some of these personal relationships, forged in shared sacrifice for the greater good of cancer research, will lead in productive directions that advance science and business.”

“Now I just want to climb more mountains," joked Antonio J. LaPorte, PhD, a Damon Runyon-Timmerman Traverse Fellow whose award was funded by a prior expedition and who joined the Kilimanjaro trek. "Some of the other team members from Boston and I are talking about climbing Mt Washington together…the camaraderie was remarkable. You got to know everyone on a personal basis."

His sentiment was echoed by other members of the team, who joined him on social media to share their reflections on the trip.

“I feel so blessed to be part of this iconic team and fortunate for many new friendships,” wrote Colleen O’Connor, Executive Vice President at BioMed Realty. “Together we can do more than we ever can alone—in the mountains and to conquer cancer.”

“This was a life-changing experience and I am so grateful to have been able to share it with you all,” wrote LaPorte. “Thank you to everyone who supported this mission to empower young scientists and postdocs like myself!”

On behalf of all our scientists, we thank everyone who contributed to this extraordinary team, and we congratulate them on a successful expedition.

Read more about the trip on the Timmerman Report. To learn more about the climbers and support their continued fundraising, visit the Timmerman Traverse 2026  team page.