A Sublime Experience: Views of Timmerman Traverse for Damon Runyon Cancer Research

Kathmandu, Nepal

We did it together.

The Timmerman Traverse for Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation completed a splendid expedition to Everest Base Camp on Apr. 23, 2025.

This trip succeeded on every count.

All 17 members of the team made it to the mountaineering camp at 17,600 feet / 5,364 meters.

We exceeded our $700,000 fundraising goal for high-risk / high-reward cancer research with $734,508 as of May 2. More gifts are in the pipeline, so our final tally should eclipse $800,000.

The experience was magnificent from beginning to end.

The views of the Himalayas were awe-inspiring, up close and far away.

The physical and emotional challenge was no small thing. We covered a little more than 40 miles over rugged, uneven, uphill and downhill terrain. When individuals struggled with altitude symptoms, our group rallied in support with anything that mattered in the moment — a sip of water or a hug.

The camaraderie was delightful. There’s something innately human about getting outside, with a group, with a shared goal, and pushing ourselves hard mentally and physically. We relaxed after these efforts by telling stories, playing cards, cracking jokes.

We shared the simple joys. A cup of ginger lemon tea. A handmade souvenir. A hot shower at 14,000 feet. The nourishing slurp of warm garlic soup. 

We paid attention, and gave respect, to our wonderful Nepalese hosts.

The bonds formed were strong. At the end of an immersive experience like this, these are the people who will show up at your wedding or your memorial service.

Please enjoy a few photos from this transcendent experience.

Thanks to the 2025 Timmerman Traverse for Damon Runyon team.

• Luke Timmerman, founder & editor, Timmerman Report (team captain)
• Soufiane Aboulhouda, co-founder and CEO, Nucleate
• Tamar Kavlashvili, Timmerman Traverse Fellow, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation; research fellow, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Kamal Puri, chief scientific officer, OncoResponse
• Andrew Warren, senior director, CSO Partner team, Curie Bio
• George Eastwood, executive director, Emily Whitehead Foundation
• Martin Strebl-Bantillo, principal, Lumanity
• Susan Whitehead, principal, BioSavvy Advisors
• Liza Sullivan, managing director, Argot Partners
• Tapan Maniar, co-founder, chief business officer, Verdiva Bio
• Rosie Rodriguez, SVP, growth and operations, Relation Therapeutics
• Samip Dhakal, corporate responsibility specialist, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
• Magdalene Pedersen, vice president, cell therapy strategy & operations, BMS
• Michele LeSueur, head of global portfolio and program strategy, Kite Pharma
• Judith Hasko, partner, co-chair of life sciences practice, WilmerHale
• Nadav Rosenberg, partner, Saras Capital

Special thanks to lead guide Eric Murphy of Murphy Expeditions and our Nepalese support team led by Jiban Ghimire of Shangri-La Nepal Trek.