Seattle biotech journalist Luke Timmerman reached new heights Tuesday in his efforts to raise awareness for cancer research by successfully summiting Mount Everest.
A series of tweets and photographs showed a spectacular blue-sky day on the world’s highest peak as Timmerman and his group, led by Seattle-based Alpine Ascents, reached the top at 29,029 feet. Guide Ben Jones’s images and reports were shared by the company on social media.
The team included eight climbers, three guides and 10 Sherpa, according to Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Timmerman, sponsored in part by donations from Sanofi and 10X Genomics, spent eight weeks on Everest acclimating to the high altitude in addition to months of training at home in the Seattle area.
Timmerman, 42, has been climbing mountains for years, and has summited Mount Rainier in Washington state (14,400 feet), Alaska’s Denali (20,000 feet) and even Argentina’s Aconcagua, the highest peak outside of Asia at 22,800 feet.
He believes cancer treatment is at a tipping point, and the Everest climb was his way of giving science yet another nudge toward a potential breakthrough. He set a goal of raising $375,000 to help Fred Hutch, and as of Tuesday he had raised $337,810.
Dr. Gary Gilliland, president and director of Fred Hutch, said in a news release that private donations are vital to helping his team perform at its own high level and cure most, if not all, cancers by 2025.
“Climbing Everest is a colossal goal and I am in awe of Luke’s accomplishment,” Gilliland said. “We are honored that he dedicated his expedition to inspire others to support our work. We must aim high and reach new peaks to achieve extraordinary breakthroughs. Private funding we receive from individuals like Luke and his donors, is vital to helping us find cures and save lives.”
Timmerman joined GeekWire in March for a podcast episode to discuss the climb and his hopes for cancer research.
More images and congratulations showed up on Twitter and Instagram:
SUMMIT on Everest today! @ldtimmerman ~ you did it! Thank you. We send you prayers, positive vibes & good karma for your safe descent from the top of the world.?❤️ pic.twitter.com/IQNGNG35Z1
— Climb for Fred Hutch (@climbtofight) May 22, 2018
He did it! Congratulations to Luke Timmerman (@ldtimmerman) on reaching the top of the world, summiting Mt. #Everest for Fred Hutch cancer research! Luke's historic @climbtofight inspires us to reach our summit: an end to cancer. Join us on that climb https://t.co/61OoPAngsK pic.twitter.com/4V5bkKgwTx
— Fred Hutch (@fredhutch) May 22, 2018
SUMMIT on #MtEverest in perfect weather for @ldtimmerman & team! Congratulations Luke!! @deniseonKOMO @fredhutch @1MediaMaven @alan_arnette Pics courtesy of Lakpa Rita Sherpa pic.twitter.com/EcrMA9i37W
— Climb for Fred Hutch (@climbtofight) May 22, 2018
The Alpine Ascents team w/ @ldtimmerman has arrived at the South Summit of Mt. Everest at 5 AM. The whole team is good & moving well" ~ Lakpa Rita Sherpa. @1MediaMaven @fredhutch @deniseonKOMO pic.twitter.com/w7EcJpnp7T
— Climb for Fred Hutch (@climbtofight) May 22, 2018
Timmerman is seen in the center of this photograph, standing with the blue jacket and glasses: