Skip to main content

Author: Patrick Collins

Registration Open with Early Bird Pricing for the Kosten Foundation Kick It 5K Benefitting Pancreatic Cancer Research

Written by Patrick Collins on . Posted in Uncategorized.

The fundraising event is dedicated to long-time supporter Kathryn Gilbert Craig.

Memphis, Tenn., August 11, 2023 – The Kosten Foundation announced that registration for their 13th annual Kick It 5K benefitting pancreatic cancer research and support is now open. The October 29th event is presented by Baptist Memorial Health Care and will be held at Shelby Farms Park beginning at 1 p.m. Runners, walkers, or anyone that would like to support the race can register and take advantage of early bird discounted pricing and/or donate to the cause on the event’s website at https://kickit5k.raceroster.com/.

This year, the Kick It 5K is dedicated to the memory of Kathryn Gilbert Craig, who passed away from causes unrelated to pancreatic cancer earlier this year. Kathryn Gilbert Craig was an 11-year pancreatic cancer survivor and long-time supporter of the Kosten Foundation and the Kick It 5K. She and her husband, Tommy, also led the Kosten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Support Group for many years.

“We are thrilled to host our 13th annual Kick It 5K in memory of Kathryn Gilbert Craig on Sunday, October 29th, to kick off November’s Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. This year, we are honoring our dear friend and supporter, Kathryn Gilbert Craig. Kathryn was such a wonderful resource of knowledge and support to pancreatic cancer patients and families here in the Mid-South and across the country. It will be a fitting tribute to Kathryn to have a great event while raising funds to support pancreatic cancer research,” said Alan Kosten, Chairman of the Kosten Foundation.

Runners or walkers can currently register with the early bird discount of $35 to participate in person or virtually for the Kick It 5K. All proceeds from the event go towards funding pancreatic cancer research. The Kick It 5K is the Kosten Foundation’s largest fundraising event, and at its largest, the race has included more than 2,500 participants. Last year’s race raised $150,000 that went towards funding three research teams dedicated to finding a cure for pancreatic cancer.

Memphis radio legend Ron Olson will emcee the Kick It 5K again this year, continuing his long-standing support of the event. Participants can look forward to live music, a pre-race ceremony memorializing those lost to pancreatic cancer, and honoring survivors of the disease.

The Kosten Foundation has raised and donated more than $2.5 million to pancreatic cancer research programs. The Foundation hosts a free monthly support group meeting for pancreatic cancer patients, survivors, and anyone else affected by the disease. Those interested in learning more about the Kosten Foundation’s mission or sponsoring the Kick It 5K can find more information on their website at kostenfoundation.com.

PHOTOS

Kathryn Gilbert Craig
Kosten Foundation Supporters Take Off from the Starting Line at the Kick It 5K.

The Daily Memphian Brings Awareness to the Kosten Foundation

Written by Patrick Collins on . Posted in Blog.

Thank you to the Daily Memphian and Ms. Annette Wiggins for helping to spread awareness about pancreatic cancer, the symptoms, the options and our support group.

Annette Wiggins wants people to know that although survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients are low, survival can be possible with early diagnosis, a knowledgeable medical team and community support.

“Most of the time, when you just hear the word ‘cancer,’ you’ve already done fell apart,” said the 69-year-old Olive Branch resident, who was diagnosed five years ago.

“But this cancer is more prevalent in the Black community, and most times when you find it, it’s already in stage four and has done most of the damage.”


Pancreatic cancer affects Black Americans at a rate higher than that of any other population.


If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer our free support group can be a valuable resource to speak to others on the same or similar path. It meets every second Saturday at the Cordova library or virtually through Zoom!

To read more, click the button below.

Click to read the full article from the Daily Memphian

Make A Donation

Your donation funds our research, support group, symposium series and other valuable projects in our efforts to end pancreatic cancer and to support those touched by the disease.