A Seattle man is heading to the top of the tallest peak in the world all in the name of cancer research.
Luke Timmerman has raised more than $330,000 for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the "Climb to Fight Cancer."
While he has climbed about 20 major peaks in the world, he's never tackled Mount Everest, until now. When Timmerman decided to take on this challenge, he wanted to do it for a good cause.
"It really does come from my journalism and covering cancer research and development for the past 15 years, and seeing that we're at that inflection point. Real moment of possibility," said Timmerman.
The biotech journalist initially set out to raise $175,000, but quickly surpassed his goal.
"To see this outpouring to this cause over the last six months is one of the best experiences of my life," Timmerman said.
Since Climb to Fight Cancer began in 1997, no one has attempted to climb Everest until now. No one has raised this much money, either.
"I'm feeling great, physically and emotionally," Timmerman explained. “The fundraising campaign has inspired me. Given me a real reason to push as hard as I can to do my best."
Timmerman will be gone for 10 weeks on his journey. His wife and daughter will be cheering him on at home, and naturally, they're a little nervous.
"They know that I'm a cautious climber and that I'm going with one of the best guide services out there," said Timmerman.
The Climb to Fight Cancer has raised more than $8.3 million to fund critical research at Fred Hutch. You don't have to be an experienced mountain climber to take part.
People can sign up to climb one of a dozen peaks this summer -- like Mount Baker, Mount Hood, or even Shasta in California.
