Life science leaders launch $1 million fundraising effort as they return to the Pacific Northwest

Cambridge, Mass. (April 7, 2025)— Life Science Cares is aiming to reach even greater heights with the 2024 Timmerman Traverse, as this year’s roster of hikers targets a fundraising goal of $1 million to support Life Science Cares’ programs and community partnerships. The 2025 team, led by Traverse founder Luke Timmerman, will hike 20+ miles across the North Cascade Mountains in Washington State over two days in August. Each of these leaders in the life science sector has committed to raising a minimum of $35,000 for Life Science Cares and our network of nonprofit partners.

“The Timmerman Traverse has raised more than $4 million since 2021 for Life Science Cares to fight poverty,” Timmerman said. “These challenging outdoor expeditions inspire people. They raise critical funds, they raise awareness of Life Science Cares, and maybe even most importantly, these expeditions have nurtured lasting friendships and shared purpose among biotech leaders. These bonding experiences make our communities stronger.”

Proceeds from the Traverse support Life Science Cares’ community investments, grantmaking, and partnerships providing access to basic needs, education, and opportunity in Greater Boston, Philadelphia, New York, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The Life Science Cares network has distributed more than $20 million in grants to community partners and supercharged those grants with 25,000+ volunteer hours and more than $3 million in in-kind contributions. 

This year’s Traverse team:

• Luke Timmerman, Founder, Timmerman Report
• Aimee Raleigh, Principal, Atlas Venture
• Andrea L. Johnston, CEO, Fuel for Female Founders
• Andrew Lam, Managing Director, Head of Biotech Private Equity, Ally Bridge Group
• Anthony Baldor, Fmr. CFO and Head of BD, Diakonos Oncology
• Chris Garabedian, CEO, Xontogeny; Venture Fund Manager, Perceptive Advisors Venture Fund
• David Goldstein, Co-founder and CEO, Actio Bio
• Dorothy Lou Bailey, President, Exo Therapeutics
• Doug Cogen, Partner, Fenwick
• Glenn Rockman, Founder & Managing Partner, Adjuvant Capital
• Ian Sanderson, Chief Financial Officer, Nimbus Therapeutics
• Jeff Hessekiel, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Exelixis
• John Moriarty, Chief Legal Officer, Avidity Biosciences
• Katherine Andersen, Head of Life Science & Healthcare, HSBC Innovation Banking
• Kemi Olugemo, Chief Medical Officer, Korro Bio
• Mary Wheeler, Founder & Managing Director, BioRock Ventures
• Max Farina, Principal, 5AM Ventures
• Miro Brajenovic, Founder and CEO, Pallando Therapeutics
• Richard Wilson, SVP, Primary Focus Lead – Genetic Regulation, Astellas Pharma
• Rod Cotton, Boards – Eisai, Castle Biosciences
• Sean McClain, CEO, Absci
• Tamar Thompson, Head of Global Corporate Affairs, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease; Board Chair, MassBio
• Troy Wilson, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO, Kura Oncology
• Vyas Ramanan, Venture Partner, Third Rock Ventures

Hear from the team about why they’re stepping up to support Life Science Cares. 

This year’s team is getting early support from Timmerman Traverse alumni—a network of industry leaders who have participated in past hikes and who have contributed nearly $200,000 to kick off the 2025 fundraising. This includes a signature-level Sahale Peak sponsorship from Fenwick & West, LLP. Joining the hike for a second year in a row, Partner Doug Cogen shared, 

“I am honored to join fellow life science leaders in this challenging 20-mile journey through the Pacific Northwest. Our collective goal is to raise $1 million for Life Science Cares, supporting their mission to combat poverty across the U.S. Now more than ever our communities need us, so I am hiking to make a difference in our communities by improving access to quality healthcare for all.”

Life Science Cares CEO, Sarah MacDonald noted, “The commitment of the life sciences industry to collaboration, innovation, and solving big challenges is changing lives—and the Timmerman Traverse is a powerful example of that. I see every day how these efforts translate into real, measurable change. Now more than ever, funds raised by these incredible hikers help us disrupt cycles of poverty and inequity, build stronger community connections, and create new pathways to opportunity for those who need it most. We’re deeply grateful—and incredibly inspired—by what’s possible when we work together.”

There are several ways for people to support this year’s hikers. 

• DONATE: Go to the Timmerman Traverse website and find a hiker you know. They’ll appreciate anything you can give — $100, $500, or $1,000 – to help them hit their goal of $35,000.
• SPONSOR: If you’re thinking big as an organization, and able to donate between $5,000 and $100,000, you could join an outstanding group of dedicated sponsors above. Learn more about sponsorship. Contact Lianna Kushi with any questions. 

About Life Science Cares 

Life Science Cares (LSC) activates the financial and human capital of the life sciences industry and partners with nonprofits to disrupt the cycle of poverty and inequality in our communities. Now operating in five life science hubs (Boston, Philadelphia, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and New York), LSC has invested $16 million and tens of thousands of volunteer hours in community organizations providing access to basic needs, access to education or access to opportunity. Learn more at https://lifesciencecares.org/.