Summits for Sickle Cell
September 24-28, 2025 | Salida, Colorado
The 2025 Summits for Sickle Cell event in Colorado brought together a committed team of advocates, clinicians, researchers, and biotech leaders for an unforgettable high-altitude adventure in support of Sickle Forward’s mission. Over four days in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, the team hiked these beautiful mountains and raised critical awareness and funding for early diagnosis and life-saving treatment for children with sickle cell disease in Africa.
The event raised more than $300,000 to support Sickle Forward’s expanding newborn and early childhood screening partnerships across the continent. More than a fundraiser, the Colorado summit reflected the power of shared challenge, community, and purpose to drive meaningful progress for children and families affected by sickle cell disease.
The Challenge:
Assault of the Collegiate Peaks
Ptarmigan Lake Trail (12,232ft); 6.1 miles, 1,500ft of elevation gain
Optional scramble to the summit of Jones Mountain (13,104ft) with beautiful views over Ptarmigan Lake.
Mt. Elbert, the tallest mountain in Colorado at a height of 14,433ft! The summit gave us unlimited views of the Sawatch Range and neighboring Mt. Massive (the 2nd tallest mountain in CO). 10 miles and 4500ft of elevation gain.
Mt. Shavano, standing tall at 14,158ft. This hike made for a long and rewarding day! We started and finished with our headlamps on.
The Impact:
$300,000+ to Advance Sickle Cell Disease
Screening and Treatment in Africa
This year’s honorary participants, Victoria Gray and Tesha Samuels, joined Jimi Olaghere in sharing stories of inspiration from their lived experience.
Victoria Gray, a pioneering sickle cell warrior and the first patient to receive CRISPR gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease in 2019.
Tesha Samuels, founder and president of Journey to ExSCellence and recipient of an autologous gene therapy transplant.
Jimi Olaghere, sickle cell warrior, global advocate and recipient of the transformative Casgevy gene therapy.
The great success of the 2025 Summits for Sickle Cell benefit event would not have been possible without the support of our amazing corporate sponsors and individual donors! If you are interested in fueling this grassroots campaign and helping us continue to increase global awareness of the plight of those affected by SCD, we encourage you to consider making a donation to the general Sickle Forward fund. All proceeds are tax deductible and go directly towards our mission of early diagnosis and life-saving treatment in Africa.
Set the Pace
Our team of participants trained their bodies for the physical and mental rigors of high altitude. They collectively raised more than $300,000 in funding for diagnosis and treatment of sickle cell disease in Africa. Most importantly, they raised critical awareness by sharing their stories along the way.
Fuel the Climb
Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited disorder of the red blood cell, affecting over 6 million people around the world. SCD is a chronic, painful, debilitating illness that disproportionally affects individuals from malaria endemic parts of the world. Its highest rate of prevalence is in sub-Saharan Africa.
Reach the Summit
While recent advancements in research and treatment in the US and Europe have been promising, SCD continues to be a 'forgotten' illness for individuals living in the global regions where resources are limited. Your donation to the 2025 Summits for Sickle Cell event will help us reach our summit goal in support of expanding rapid diagnosis and basic treatment of SCD in Africa!