When biotech journalist Luke Timmerman first dreamed up the idea of uniting life sciences leaders for an expedition to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2017, the goal was simple yet audacious: to push beyond the limits of the boardroom, take on a challenge that demands grit and teamwork, and raise critical funds for cancer research. Since then, the Timmerman Traverse campaigns have raised more than $14 million to fight cancer, poverty, and sickle cell disease.
The Timmerman Traverse 2026 is the latest installment of this vision, bringing together a diverse team of executives, investors, and advocates to raise $1 million for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.
For the life sciences community, this climb isn’t just about reaching 19,341 feet above sea level—it’s about accelerating discovery, supporting bold science, and ultimately improving patient lives. And for the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast biotech ecosystem, the Traverse represents something even more personal: the chance to see regional leaders step onto a global stage, carry their communities with them, and amplify the impact of their work.
A Mission to Fuel Early Career Researchers
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has long stood out for its commitment to funding early-career scientists—researchers willing to take risks, ask bold questions, and chase transformative breakthroughs. These are the innovators who often struggle to secure traditional funding, yet their work frequently shapes the future of cancer therapies. By funding these pioneers, Damon Runyon ensures today’s “what ifs” become tomorrow’s standard of care.
That spirit of risk-taking and endurance is mirrored in the climb itself. Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, demands perseverance, teamwork, and trust in the process—much like developing a breakthrough therapy. Every step represents another stride toward scientific progress.
A Survivor Turned Advocate: Brad Watts
Among the 2026 Traverse climbers is, Brad Watts, a Philadelphia-based executive with Conner Strong & Buckelew and supporter of the Philly BioBuzz community. He brings perhaps one of the most personal perspectives. Watts isn’t just an advocate for cancer research—he’s a survivor.
Watts was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His treatment journey spanned over 250 hospital days, multiple failed therapies, a stem cell transplant, and ultimately a chance at life through CAR-T therapy. Today, he’s in remission.
“I don’t know how many years of remission I’ll be granted,” Watts has shared. “But I do know that with your support, we can ensure more patients have more time.”
Watts’ story embodies both the urgency and the promise of cancer research. CAR-T therapy, once experimental, gave him a second chance. His climb is both a personal victory and a powerful symbol of advocacy for the next wave of patients.
Ten Executives Climbing for the Cure
This year’s Traverse team features several other leaders from the biotech and investment communities across the US and UK. While we support all of the climbers, here are ten of them from all corners of our biotech community. Please support them.
- Brad Watts – Vice President, Conner Strong & Buckelew (Philadelphia, PA) – PERSONAL DONATION PAGE
CAR-T cell therapy survivor in long-term remission; fundraising to back the next wave of cancer breakthroughs. - Ben Scruggs – Partner, Hatteras Venture Partners (Durham, NC) – PERSONAL DONATION PAGE
Scruggs is climbing to help push translational research forward from the Southeast. - Colleen O’Connor EVP & Market Lead, East Coast & UK, BioMed Realty (MA) – PERSONAL DONATION PAGE
She steers millions of square feet of life science space that enables discovery; channeling that community energy into the Traverse. - Lauren Mifflin – Principal, Company Creation, Frazier Life Sciences (MA) – PERSONAL DONATION PAGE
Company-builder focused on newco formation in biologics; bringing an operator–investor lens to the climb. - Michael Langer – Co-founder & Managing Partner, T.Rx Capital (MA) – PERSONAL DONATION PAGE
Early-stage techbio investor; part of the Traverse to accelerate ideas from bench to bedside. - Sam Kessel (MA) — Senior Associate, Locust Walk (MA) – PERSONAL DONATION PAGE
Physician-turned-dealmaker and Nucleate podcast host; UVA-trained and committed to mobilizing the next generation of biotech leaders. - Hong I. Wan – President, CEO & Co-founder, Tallac Therapeutics (CA) – PERSONAL DONATION PAGE
Immuno-oncology company builder advancing novel iADCs; summiting to support clinician-scientists on the front lines. - Chris Gibson – Co-founder & CEO, Recursion (UT) – PERSONAL DONATION PAGE
TechBio leader applying automation + AI to drug discovery; channeling that scale mindset into a $1M team goal. - Sarah Spencer – Principal, EcoR1 Capital (CA) – PERSONAL DONATION PAGE
UVA alum and public-markets biotech investor; climbing to honor families affected by cancer. - Meg Alexander – President & COO, Ovid Therapeutics (NY) – PERSONAL DONATION PAGE
Operator shaping Ovid’s neurology strategy; turning enterprise leadership into real-world impact on the mountain.
Together, these leaders show the regional diversity and strength of the biotech ecosystem. They represent different sectors—consulting, pharma, venture capital, and intellectual property—but share a common mission: to fuel progress against cancer.
Climbing for Peers in the Fight
The Timmerman Traverse is more than a fundraiser. In climbing Kilimanjaro, these leaders demonstrate that the fight against cancer isn’t confined to labs, clinics, or boardrooms. It’s a human challenge—demanding resilience, collaboration, and relentless forward motion.
The Traverse is not only about funding research or honoring survivors—it’s also about supporting friends, family and also peers within the biotech community who are facing cancer right now.
One of those peers is Bill Gadless, founder of emagineHealth and a respected leader in biotech communications. In a heartfelt video message on Linkedin, Bill recently shared:
“For the past 10 months, I’ve been battling esophageal cancer. And I finally felt it was time to let my wider network in on the journey. I’ve fought like hell — and I’ll keep fighting. Most recently, I received hopeful news from a top thoracic surgeon at UPMC… We all have our own version of faith, prayer, or hope. However you define it, I’d be grateful if you could keep me in yours.”
Bill’s openness and resilience resonates deeply with what the Timmerman Traverse is all about – the power of storytelling, community and lived experience. Watts’ journey from patient to advocate and Bill’s ongoing journey captures why biotech innovation matters. O’Connor’s leadership in pharma, Scruggs’ investment acumen, Mifflin’s legal expertise, and Langer’s capital leadership show the many pathways that contribute to progress of new cures.
Just as Brad Watts’ remission story symbolizes the power of biotech innovation, Bill’s ongoing journey is a reminder that cancer touches colleagues, friends, and leaders across the industry.
A Call to the Community
The climb may be steep, but the impact is steeped in hope. Each dollar raised fuels Damon Runyon’s mission to empower the scientists who will develop tomorrow’s cures. Each story shared—whether of survival, leadership, or innovation—expands the circle of those committed to conquering cancer.
For those watching from biotech hubs across the country and the world, this year’s Traverse is an opportunity to support not only cancer research but also the leaders carrying our communities onto a global stage. It’s a reminder that regional strength can have national, even global, impact.
As the 2026 Timmerman Traverse team takes on Kilimanjaro, one thing is clear: the summit is only part of the goal. The true victory lies in the discoveries, treatments, and lives that will be saved because of the climb.
