Four years ago today, I received an infusion of what is now known as CASGEVY. As those new cells coursed through my veins, I couldn’t have imagined a future where I would be standing atop the highest freestanding mountain in the world. At best, I thought I might spend less time in hospitals. But here we are—at the summit of Kilimanjaro—and this achievement is not mine alone. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude.
Amanda Olaghere—my incredible wife, the foundation of all that I do. Every crazy idea I’ve ever had, you’ve backed with unwavering support, and this was no different. Your belief in me never wavered, even when I had doubts. Thank you for being the strength behind this success and for always standing beside me.
Luke Timmerman, Alan Anderson, and Ted W. Love, MD—you trusted me with this challenge when it could have been seen as too risky. You didn’t just give me a chance; you prepared me, trained me, and set me up for success. Your belief in me was the fuel I needed, and for that, I’m forever grateful.
Eric Murphy and your incredible team of guides, I couldn’t have asked for better leader on this climb. Your expertise, patience, and guidance took what could have been a dangerous journey and turned it into a life-changing experience. Thank you for getting me safely to the top of Kilimanjaro.
Patrick Hines, you played a critical role of my unofficial doctor up there. The plan you crafted to minimize the effects of the altitude on my body was a game-changer, allowing me to push forward when the mountain pushed back. I owe so much of my success to your careful attention.
To my incredible teammates—Asha S. Collins, Alex Gruzdev, Alex Harding, Elena Gruzdeva, Sarah Alspach, Audra Boscoe, Eva Gallagher, Ph.D, Kobe Dufu, Ilyas Said, Alain Romero, Maurice Garland, MBA (He/Him), Samuel Blackman, Peyton Greenside, Doug McConnell, Jingyi Liu MD, MBA, and Stephen Scully—thank you for the emotional and motivational support you provided throughout this journey. Every laugh, every shared moment of struggle, and every ounce of encouragement meant the world to me. Climbing Kilimanjaro with all of you was a privilege, and knowing we did it to improve the lives of those with Sickle Cell Disease made it even more special.
And to my donors—both individual and corporate—this summit would not have been possible without you. Tim Hunt, Rita Johnson-Greene, MBA, and Stephen Majors at Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, Samarth Kulkarni at CRISPR Therapeutics, and every person who contributed, your generosity has given hope to a community that has fought for so long to be seen, heard, and supported.
Thank You.