Reaching New Heights for Breakthrough Scientists

This expedition is a trip of a lifetime — a trek in the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp (17,500 feet / 5,364 meters).

April 11 - 27, 2025

Our team participants will train their bodies for the physical and mental rigors of high altitude. They will think creatively and activate their networks to raise money for the innovative young scientists supported by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. Our goal as a collective team is to reach at least $700,000 for brave and bold Damon Runyon scientists. 

Donate to the Timmerman Traverse Everest Base Camp Campaign

To make a donation, select the name of the hiker you would like to support or make a gift below to the full 2025 Timmerman Traverse team.
 

To make an offline donation, please send your gift to the address below. Be sure to include the name of the climber you are supporting. Damon Runyon's EIN for a Donor Advised Fund is 13-1933825. For stock donations or wire transfer instructions, please email elyse.hoffmann@damonrunyon.org.

Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
Attn: Timmerman Traverse
One Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway, Suite 302
New York, NY 10006

$754,008.02

achieved

$700,000.00

goal

of your goal reached

Updates from the Mountain!

Follow along as this inspiring Timmerman Traverse team makes their trek to Everest Base Camp.

4/23/25- (Text message) The whole team has safely reached Everest Base Camp (17,400) at 1:30 pm, after an early a.m. sunrise summit of Kala Pattar (18,500). There is no Wifi at Everest Base Camp. The team will send an update tomorrow as they make their way back to Kathmandu.

Photos from Traverse to Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp!
Everest Base Camp!

We all made it to Everest Base Camp on April 23. We are all now back safely in Kathmandu on April 24.

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Day 8
Day 8

Another crystal clear day, with warm temperatures from the start. We began at Lobuche, elevation 16,300 feet, and hiked along rocky uneven terrain to 17,000 feet at Gorak Shep. It was a busy day on the trail with many hikers moving to Everest Base Camp, along with yaks and zoes carrying supplies to Base Camp. Some team members are feeling fatigue and some symptoms of altitude— mostly nausea and headaches. Everyone is very supportive of teammates in their vulnerable moments. We once again enjoyed marvelous views of Nuptse and Pumori. We caught glimpses of Mt. Everest, and the yellow tents in the distance arrayed at Base Camp. Tonight we will go to bed early to get ready for a 4 am start up Kala Pattar (18,300 feet) at sunrise. Then we will descend back to Gorak Shep, regroup, and advance to our destination at Everest Base Camp (17,600 feet).

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Day 8
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Day 7
Day 7

Not a cloud in the sky. Our team enjoyed a splendid day of trekking from Dingboche (elevation 14,300) to Lobuche (elevation 16,300). Views of Tabuche, Cholatse, Lobuche East and Pumori were of the jaw-dropping variety. We took a long break at the climber’s memorial, soaking in the transcendent scenery. Headstones reminded us all of the climbers who have died in the mountains. A few of us are battling headaches and nausea, while others have recovered from various maladies from earlier days. The air is thin here, temperatures are colder, and the lodging is more rustic. We are having big picture conversations on the trail about life, careers, and dreams for a bright future.

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Day 6
Day 6

Today began with clear skies, and a gentle acclimation hike up from Dingboche at 14,300 feet, up over a ridge at 15,300 feet. Panoramic views were stunning. Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche and Tabuche towered over the valley. It was exhilarating. After a team photo at our high point, we descended to the village of Pheriche, where we visited the Himalayan Rescue Association— a volunteer group of physicians who treat trekkers, climbers and local people for various ailments. We came back to our lodge for lunch and some game time, nap time, and maybe a warm shower.

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Day 5
Day 5

Day 5 started in cloudy, cool conditions at Tengboche, elevation 12,600 feet. We hiked downhill for an hour, then steadily climbed uphill as the clouds lifted, revealing more spectacular views around every corner. The photos are jaw dropping. We ended in Dingboche, elevation 14,300 feet. We will stay here 2 nights, with a gentle acclimation hike tomorrow. A few folks are nursing sore ankles or knees, and some have had intermittent bouts with headaches and nausea related to the altitude. All normal. Everyone is supportive of each other. Maggie Pedersen is celebrating her birthday, and we are all happy to sing to her in celebration.

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Day 4
Day 4

We experienced sublime views on the trail today. For the second day in a row, we saw Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam in full glory. This time it was from hillsides, and then from peekaboo views through coniferous forest. We started in the village of Namche at 11,200 feet, descended 500 feet to a river valley, and took a mid morning tea break. Then we went up about 1,800 feet of steady incline to the Tengboche village. About 5 hours of hiking, ending up at 12,600 feet. After lunch of classic Dahl baht, we visited the world famous Tengboche monastery, smelled the burning sage, and closed our eyes to listen to the monks chant. The team is doing well physically and mentally. We are having in depth conversations, and cracking jokes left and right.

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Day 3
Day 3

We did an acclimation hike today, about 1,200 feet above Namche. Clear, sunny skies allowed us to see gorgeous views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. We marveled at the size and scope of these incredible peaks. On the descent, we visited Sagarmatha Next, a sustainable venture that seeks to transform trash from hikers into art. We did a little shopping in the afternoon, and a visit to a local monastery. A tremendous day in the heart of the Khumbu Valley.

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Day 3
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Day 2 - Namche
Day 2 - Namche

Arrived early afternoon. Team enjoyed a hearty lunch of Dahl Bhat, then explored the village. Some of us hung around the coffee shop, did some souvenir shopping, played cards. Everyone is moving at a good pace on our way up to elevation 11,200 feet. Weather was sunny with a light breeze in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. The trail was a bit muddy in spots, but not bad. Very little dust. Ideal hiking conditions.

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Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo
Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo

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Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo
Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo

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Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo
Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo

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Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo
Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo

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Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo
Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo

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Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo
Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo

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Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo
Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo

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Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo
Day 1 - Flight to Lukla and Trek to Monjo

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Team photo in Kathmandu, Apr. 14, 2025
Team photo in Kathmandu, Apr. 14, 2025

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Audio and Video Updates

4/22/25 - Click here for a quickfire question round at 17,000 feet with team members Rosie Rodriguez and Soufiane Aboulhouda.

4/21/25 - Click for a report from Luke and Damon Runyon-Timmerman Traverse Fellow Tamar Kavlashvili in Lobuche.

4/18/25 - Click for a video update from Luke and team member Rosie Rodriguez.

4/17/25 - Click for Luke's video explanation of the gorgeous mountain range.

4/16/25 - Click to hear an audio update from Luke Timmerman and Martin Strebl-Bantillo. 

Meet the Team

View All

What Your Dollars Support

At the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, we fund high-risk, high-reward cancer research. We identify and enable young scientists who are brilliant, brave, and bold enough to go where others haven’t.

Since our founding, Damon Runyon cancer researchers have made extraordinary breakthroughs in every area of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. To this day, we support the next generation of leaders — emerging talent with unique insights, drive, and boundless vision. We will not stop until we have the tools to prevent or cure all cancers.

Learn more about the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.

Read about the latest breakthroughs made by Damon Runyon scientists.
 

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Our Supporters

  • Nurix Therapeutics, Inc. 3 days ago
  • Jeffrey Berman 2 weeks ago
  • Sally & Jim Olson Giving Fund 2 weeks ago
  • Sally & Jim Olson Giving Fund 2 weeks ago
  • Anonymous 3 weeks ago
  • Anonymous 3 weeks ago
  • Anonymous 3 weeks ago
  • Anonymous 3 weeks ago
  • Angela Hayes What an accomplishment and experience! Congratulations for completing this journey and supporting an amazing cause. 3 weeks ago
  • Marla Curran You always amaze me with your dedication and adventurous spirit!  3 weeks ago $100.00
  • Rob Busher 3 weeks ago $100.00
  • Badreddin Edris 3 weeks ago
  • Anonymous 3 weeks ago
  • Anonymous 3 weeks ago
  • Silvia Santos Samip have a blessed adventure for such a great cause. 3 weeks ago $104.00
  • Emily Benadon Michele, you are awesome! 3 weeks ago $104.00
  • Leigh Ann Soltysiak 3 weeks ago
  • Richard Rothenberg 3 weeks ago
  • Zoya Girard You go girl!  3 weeks ago
  • Monika Fischer 4 weeks ago
  • Kite, a Gilead Company March 2025 $50,000.00
  • Bristol Myers Squibb January 2025 $50,000.00
  • Alnylam Last month $25,000.00
  • Cooley LLP December 2024 $11,500.00
  • MICHAEL HOSTETLER Tapan, amazing work that you are doing on behalf of Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. Thanks and we'll be rooting for you all as you make the traverse. Mike Hostetler and Erica Pascal "The pH Foundation" February 2025 $10,400.00
  • IO Biotech Last month $10,000.00
  • DCVC Management Co. Last month $10,000.00
  • TD Securities March 2025 $10,000.00
  • PhaseV Inc. March 2025 $10,000.00
  • Nucleate Bio March 2025 $10,000.00
  • Arsenal Capital Partners February 2025 $10,000.00
  • NeoGenomics Laboratories February 2025 $10,000.00
  • Jason Wood January 2025 $10,000.00
  • HLX Life Sciences January 2025 $10,000.00
  • Lumanity Inc. January 2025 $10,000.00
  • Relation Therapeutics December 2024 $10,000.00
  • LYFE U.S LLC December 2024 $10,000.00
  • Relation Therapeutics November 2024 $10,000.00
  • Saras Capital Last month $5,000.00
  • Causaly . Last month $5,000.00

Our Sponsors

KALA PATTAR SPONSOR

Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb

Kite, a Gilead Company

Kite, a Gilead Company

LOBUCHE SPONSORS

Alnylam

Alnylam

DINGBOCHE SPONSORS

Cooley

Cooley

Higgins Group Incorporated

Higgins Group Incorporated

HLX Life Sciences

HLX Life Sciences

KMAK Capital

KMAK Capital

Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins

LincSwitch Therapeutics

LincSwitch Therapeutics

Lumanity

Lumanity

Lyfe Capital

Lyfe Capital

NeoGenomics

NeoGenomics

Nucleate

Nucleate

pH Foundation

pH Foundation

PhaseV

PhaseV

Relation Therapeutics

Relation Therapeutics

TD Securities

TD Securities

WilmerHale

WilmerHale

NAMCHE SPONSORS

Aragen

Aragen

Argot Partners

Argot Partners

Bain Capital Life Sciences

Bain Capital Life Sciences

BioInvent

BioInvent

British Land

British Land

Causaly

Causaly

DH Life Sciences

DH Life Sciences

Emily Whitehead Foundation

Emily Whitehead Foundation

ImmunoPrecise Antibodies

ImmunoPrecise Antibodies

Lonza

Lonza

Nurix Therapeutics

Nurix Therapeutics

OrbiMed

OrbiMed

Recursion

Recursion

Saras Capital

Saras Capital

Singular Biotech

Singular Biotech

TCG Lifesciences

TCG Lifesciences