Brad Watts, Vice President and Business Development Executive at Conner Strong & Buckelew, recently embarked on a high‑altitude hiking expedition on Mount Kilimanjaro as part of the Timmerman Traverse, a fundraising trek held February 7–18, 2026.

Joining 23 biotech executives and investors, Brad helped raise $1.2 million for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which supports innovative, early-career scientists pursuing bold, high-risk cancer research. Brad individually raised more than $80,000 toward the cause. The foundation’s work has played a critical role in advancing cancer care and accelerating discoveries that improve outcomes for patients worldwide.

Brad Watts
Vice President, Business Development Executive

This climb held deep personal significance for Brad. At age 29, he was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and underwent years of intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, a stem cell transplant, immunotherapy, and CAR T-cell therapy.

Today, Brad is a dedicated patient advocate, supporting organizations such as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The Emily Whitehead Foundation. Professionally, he continues to support the life sciences industry, helping organizations manage risk so they can focus on developing life-changing therapies for patients.

We are proud to recognize Brad’s extraordinary accomplishment and his ongoing commitment to turning personal challenge into meaningful impact.