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 13^th annual Kick It 5K benefitting pancreatic cancer research and support is now open. The October 29^th 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 13^th annual Kick It 5K in memory of Kathryn Gilbert Craig on Sunday, October 29^th, 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

Organizations and Individuals Throughout the Mid-South Join Together to Raise Awareness of Pancreatic Cancer in November

Memphis, Tenn., November 8, 2018 – The Kosten Foundation is bringing awareness to one of the most deadly forms of cancer during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month again this November with various initiatives and events, including their annual symposium lecture, a Tribute at Twilight event, purple lighting of public and private structures, purple items at local businesses, and Purple PANCakes for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness at Strano by Chef Josh. All donations to the Kosten Foundation in November will also be matched by Susan and Alan Kosten. Donations can be made online at www.kostenfoundation.com.

Memphis, Tenn., September 27, 2018 – The Kosten Foundation’s annual Purple Night will showcase advances by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Pancreatic Cancer Research Team in the fight against Pancreatic Cancer on October 6, 2018, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. The public is invited to the free event to meet the Pancreatic Cancer research team and learn what they are working on, with support from the Kosten Foundation and others, to end Pancreatic Cancer. Registration is requested at this link:  http://bit.ly/PurpleNight18 ​

The diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer we’ve been waiting for may be on its way. If preliminary results are correct, there may be a 3-cent blood or urine test usable in routine screening that will catch pancreatic cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable. And that will be thanks to a 15-year old Maryland high school freshman.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network hosts educational events for patients and their loved ones in cities across the United States. They host educational lectures and seminars which are in-person opportunities for patients and families to learn about various topics related to pancreatic cancer from leaders in the field, and to join together in camaraderie. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network also offers webinars, where patients and caregivers can learn about various topics from the comfort of their homes

For further details, please visit www.pancan.org

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for all stages of pancreatic cancer is a grim 6 percent. But now there is hope thanks to pioneering techniques and treatments developed at the Siteman Cancer Center! For more details, read “Increasing the Odds Against Pancreatic Cancer” article…

Many people believe there are no long-term survivors from pancreatic cancer — but thankfully, that’s not true. Ask Richard Luze, associate vice chancellor for development programs at Washington University, who is cancer-free six years after his diagnosis. He received aggressive therapy from Washington University specialist at the Siteman Cancer cneter and Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “I was treated at one of the top places in the Untied States for pancreatic cancer, and some of the best doctors in the country were part of my medical team,” Luze says. “They were outstanding, and the care I received was wonderful.”

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Patient Central is designed as the starting point for patients and their families and caregivers as they undertake their pancreatic cancer journey. By contacting Patient Central, patients and their families and caregivers can receive pancreatic cancer information which includes information about treatment options, diet and nutrition, symptom and pain management, pancreatic cancer specialists, and support resources.

It’s a dread disease. The fourth-highest cause of cancer deaths in the United States, it’s usually portrayed as an unstoppable, incurable killer. it has struck some high-profile figures: Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with it. Opera star Luiciano Pavarotti and former Ronald Reagan aide Michael Deaver died of it. So, too, on July 25th, did Randy Pausch, the former Carnegie Mellon University computer science professor whose “last lecture” before a university audience became a YouTube sensation and a bestselling book.