Six month update

After six months, as we reflect on the journey we embarked on together last November during the iCMLf Climb for a Cure: Annapurna, we're still filled with gratitude for your unwavering support and donations of over $200,000!

Nicola Evans, iCMLf Chief Executive, said, "We are so grateful for the support we received from all over the world. Every day was a tough challenge, but we really felt the support of the iCMLf community along the way. Your support is the backbone of our mission to make a difference in the lives of people with CML."

Read on to find out what we've been up to since the Climb.

The challenge of climbing to Annapurna Base Camp is significant, but it pales in comparison to the challenges faced daily by people living with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Our visit to Patan hospital in Nepal before the climb was a stark illustration of this. The challenges of late diagnosis, an overburdened health system and challenging access to laboratory testing all significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life. The iCMLf climb was not just a physical endeavor but a symbol of our relentless pursuit of better management for CML globally.

Since the Climb

Since the Annapurna 2023 challenge, the iCMLf has continued to make significant strides in several key areas:

Pediatric CML Research and Publications: We've initiated new research projects focusing on treating children with CML in low- and middle-income countries. These, aim to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for younger patients. Our findings have been published in leading medical journals, contributing valuable knowledge to the global medical community.

Diagnosis and Testing: We continue to expand our diagnostic networks, ensuring that more healthcare providers in resource-limited settings have access to diagnostic tools and training. This initiative is crucial for early and accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

Patient Advisory Committee (PAC): Our new Patient Advisory Committee marks a significant step forward in amplifying the voices of CML patients worldwide in the work of the iCMLf. The PAC is dedicated to representing the diverse experiences of individuals living with CML, enriching all iCMLf initiatives with the voices and experiences of patients.

Watch our update video to find out more:

Looking Forward

We are excited about the future and our plans to continue building support, knowledge, and networks for those treating CML. We are working closely with hematology societies in the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Kenya to enhance the capabilities of healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.

Our collaboration with these countries focuses on educating healthcare professionals, improving access to diagnostics and treatment, and fostering a community of shared knowledge and experience. By doing so, we aim to ensure that every person with CML receives the best possible care, no matter where they are in the world.

Thank You

To our team of 24 climbers from eight different countries, we continue our heartfelt thanks and congratulations. Your determination and camaraderie were inspiring, and your efforts have brought us one step closer to our goal.

Thank you once again for your incredible generosity and for standing with us as we work towards a world where a cure for CML is not just a hope, but a reality.

For those looking to continue supporting our mission, we invite you to contribute to "Ride for a Cure" and support the team from Incyte cycling the French Alps this summer. Find out more here.