A Trek That Moved Mountains for Cancer Patients in Nepal

The Annapurna Base Camp Cancer Awareness Mission

On March 9, 2025, 12 individuals laced up their boots, packed their bags, and carried courage and compassion in their hearts as they embarked on the journey of a lifetime—an adventure through the beautiful Himalayas to raise awareness for cancer in underserved communities. Their destination: Annapurna, a towering mountain massif in north-central Nepal and the tenth-highest peak in the world at 26,545 feet above sea level.

On March 12, the group arrived at the Nayapul trailhead, where they were met with crisp mountain air, vibrant surroundings, and a profound sense of humility as their trek officially began. For 7 days, trekkers navigated difficult terrains, going around winding trails, across suspension bridges, up steep stairs, and down rugged hills. At the 68-mile mark, the group arrived at Annapurna Base Camp, standing at an elevation of 13,550 feet. The towering Annapurna massif and its breathtaking presence seemed to dissolve the fatigue of their journey.

Trekkers fundraised for the Compassionate Care Fund and Nurse Training Program. The former aims to fund patients to receive reduced or free treatment at the Binaytara Cancer Center, while the latter funds nurses to train at nationally recognized cancer centers so they can provide the best levels of care. Together, they raised over $90,000, a meaningful leap towards minimizing cancer disparities.

Watch The 2025 Binaytara Trek To Annapurna and Its Purpose

Binaytara's Annapurna Trek and Nepal Hospital Trip

Meet Some Of Our Trekkers

Midway Through the Annapurna Cancer Awareness Trek

12 trekkers of varying backgrounds and ages braved the mountains of Nepal this March to raise funds for cancer patients. From oncologists to high school students, these individuals bonded amidst the peaks over a shared passion for helping others. Who are they? Meet some of our esteemed trekkers:

1. Dr. Mark Pegram: A leading oncologist at Stanford University, Dr. Pegram joined the Annapurna trek to raise awareness for cancer care in underserved communities. Following the trek, he participated in the Binaytara health camp in Nepal, offering medical consultations to local patients. Dr. Pegram’s dedication to global health extends beyond the clinic as he was also a panelist at our 2025 Summit on Cancer Health Disparities, where he spoke on a session exploring the role of policy in supporting cancer equity.

2. Dr. Xiadong Wang: Dr. Wang is a renowned biochemist and co-founder of BeiGene, where he has served as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board since 2011 and as a Board Director since 2016. He is also the founding Director of the National Institute of Biological Sciences in Beijing. Dr. Wang is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking research on apoptosis and cancer biology.

3. Dr. Nora Ku: Dr. Ku, Vice President of Clinical Development at Rain Oncology, is a board-certified medical oncologist with over 16 years of clinical drug development experience. Before joining Rain, she served as Vice President of Medical at Loxo Oncology at Lilly, overseeing trial conduct, key regulatory filings, and data disclosures for Phase 1/2 trials. Dr. Ku also held positions as a consultant and senior medical director at DAVA Oncology, assistant clinical professor at the University of California and the University of Miami, and partner at Cancer Care Associates Medical Group.

4. Dr. Xiaying Sherri Zhu: Sherri Zhu, a hospitalist with rheumatology training, brings a wealth of experience to her work in healthcare. Originally from China, Sherri moved to the U.S. in the ‘80s, earning both a Ph.D. in pharmacology and a medical degree. She has been deeply involved in addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved communities. Reflecting on her trek, she shared, “We not only conquered the mountains. We also conquered ourselves.”

Dr. Zhu at the 2025 Binaytara health camp providing care to patients

5. Dr. ZhiPing Liu: Dr. Liu is a scientist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where she leads a lab focused on gene regulation in cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Her research aims to develop small-molecule drugs targeting prostate cancer and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Reflecting on her motivation for the Annapurna trek, Dr. Liu shared, "I always wanted to hike Annapurna. It is one of the top treks in the world. This trip, combined with supporting the Binaytara's work, offers an incredible opportunity to experience a different culture while contributing to a cause that addresses global healthcare disparities."

6. Dr. Srinivas Tantravahi: Dr. Tantravahi is a hematologist/oncologist at the University of Utah Health, specializing in blood cancers. Fellowship-trained at Huntsman Cancer Institute, he blends advanced therapies with compassionate care. In his recollection of his experience on the trek, he shares, "Learning about the local people and their kindness has been a great experience. I am grateful to the Binaytara organization for giving me this lifetime opportunity to do the Annapurna base camp trek." As Medical Director of Infusion Services, he optimizes treatment while supporting patients through their cancer journeys.

7. Dr. Ying Liu: Dr. Ying Liu is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at UW Medicine with a special interest in minimally invasive surgery and preventative women’s health. Known for her thoughtful approach to patient care, Dr. Liu believes in empowering women through education at every stage of life, from adolescence to menopause.

"The mountains in Nepal have always been a dream for me," Dr. Liu says. "This trip is not only a chance to see that beauty but also a way to support women in places where preventable diseases like cervical cancer still take lives. I hope to share their stories through photography and help raise awareness and funding for better care."

8. Jonathan Marquart: Jonathan is a freshman at Montana State University who recently traveled to Nepal as part of a global health and trekking expedition organized by the Binaytara. With no prior international travel experience beyond Canada, Jonathan embraced the opportunity to explore the Himalayas, participate in the Annapurna Base Camp trek, and observe health disparities firsthand in rural Nepal. His reflections on the journey reveal a deep appreciation for the experience, the people he met, and the mission of expanding access to affordable healthcare.

9. Angira Shah: Angira is a ninth-grade student at Issaquah High School with deep roots in Nepal and a growing passion for global health equity. As the daughter of the founders of Binaytara, she has long felt a connection to the organization's mission, but her recent trek to the Annapurna Base Camp marked a turning point. Looking ahead, Angira plans to continue her work with Binaytara, advocating for greater access to cancer care in Nepal, and hopes to inspire others, especially young people, to get involved in causes that promote health equity and cultural understanding.

10. Justin Marquart: The chief development officer of Binaytara, Justin Marquart is a passionate leader whose work transcends borders. He spearheads the fundraising efforts at Binaytara and donor relations for the 200-bed cancer hospital in Nepal, which is undergoing construction. His son, Jonathan, also joined him on this adventure, creating a lasting and life-changing experience for the Marquart family. Reflecting on the trek, Justin remarked, "Our trekkers committed to raising $10,000 each through crowdfunding. They shared our mission with friends and family, explaining how every dollar supports the hospital. It was not just a hike; it was a way to turn awareness into action."

11. Dr. Binay Shah: Dr. Shah is the visionary behind Binaytara. As a president and co-founder, his work at Binaytara is driven by the passion to promote health and education. His clinical research focuses on health services and outcomes. Dr. Shah likened the Annapurna trek to the challenges in building a cancer hospital in Nepal, stating, “Bridging the gap in cancer care is essential to transforming societies and giving patients the chance to realize their full potential, much like what we are individually experiencing on this trek.”

(left to right) Daniel, Dr. Zhu, Justin, Dr. Wang, and Angira on the trail to Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Trek Unites Experts To Strengthen Cancer Care In Nepal

Before embarking on the 68-mile journey, Dr. Shah joined key stakeholders, including healthcare policy experts, government officials, cancer specialists, politicians, and patient advocates, to identify actionable strategies for improving health insurance in Nepal in a policy debate meeting. The dialogue at this meeting resulted in a white paper that was submitted to the Nepal Ministry of Health and the Health Insurance Board.

After the trek, Dr. Shah, Dr. Pegram, and Mr. Marquart attended the 7th International Cancer Congress in Janakpur, where they participated in scholarly discussions on equitable access to cancer diagnosis and treatment. The conference featured expert panels addressing real-world challenges and successes, as well as poster presentations from researchers across Nepal.

From academic dialogue to community outreach, the journey to Annapurna became even more meaningful. Some of the trekkers, alongside staff from the Binaytara Cancer Center, participated in our free health camp, delivering vital medical and cancer care services to more than 240 people in underserved communities. Common conditions identified included infectious diseases, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal issues, and musculoskeletal problems. Patients needing additional care were referred to the nearby Binaytara Cancer Center or appropriate specialists for further evaluation and treatment.

Dr. Shah engaging with a patient at the health camp

Join The Movement

Binaytara is committed to leading the way in global oncology by championing equitable access to cancer care, advancing cancer education, and promoting prevention and the latest treatment innovations.

Through several global oncology programs, including our Center for Women’s Cancer Access and Advocacy, we provide free cervical cancer screenings, chemotherapy services, and both grassroots and governmental advocacy for underserved communities in Nepal. These services are currently offered at our 25-bed hospital, eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances for care.

To expand our reach and impact, we are building a 200-bed comprehensive cancer hospital in southern Nepal that will serve 25 million people across Nepal and the neighboring Indian state of Bihar. Once completed, the hospital is projected to care for 20,000 patients each year.

We are building a world where 'where you are treated' will have no bearing on cancer outcomes. Be part of this change and join us in making cancer care equitable. Your support will help bridge the gap so that anyone, anywhere, has an equal chance at survival.