Memphis, Tenn., Oct 28, 2021 – The Kosten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research and support announced its kick-off weekend events for November’s Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. The Kosten Foundation is being honored at the Each One Teach One Pancreatic Cancer Gala on Saturday, November 6 before hosting its 11^th annual Kick It 5K on Sunday, November 7. Anyone interested in supporting pancreatic cancer research or participating in the 5K can learn more on the Kosten Foundation’s website at https://www.kostenfoundation.com/.

“Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month is about fighting this deadly disease, honoring those we’ve lost, and waging hope so that anyone experiencing pancreatic cancer knows they are not alone,” said Alan Kosten, Chairman of the Kosten Foundation, “We are so grateful for the community’s support of the Kick It 5K and to Annette Wiggins for organizing the Each One Teach One Gala. We hope anyone that is able to contribute will consider supporting our cause.”

The Each One Teach One Gala is a celebration of pancreatic cancer survivors and a tribute to those lost to the disease. This year’s event will feature light food and drinks, multiple door prize raffles, and an auction with all proceeds going to the Kosten Foundation. The Nov. 6 Gala will be held at MacStell’s Event Hall (3187 Winchester Rd.) and doors open at 4 p.m. Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket to the gala can do so online at https://bit.ly/2XR5ULX.

“As a member of the Kosten Foundation’s pancreatic cancer support group, I’ve seen what amazing work they do firsthand,” said Annette Wiggins, a 3-year pancreatic cancer survivor and organizer of the Each One Teach One Gala, “I’m so proud to help support their fight against pancreatic cancer and after Saturday’s gala I will be running in the 5K.”

The 11^th annual Kick It 5K is presented by Baptist Memorial Health Care and will be November 7 in Shelby Farms Park. The event is virtual, or in-person and participants can choose between a 1 mile walk or 5K run. Participants and their families will enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors, and much more. Online registration for the Kick It 5K is $35 and anyone interested can sign up on the 5K website at https://kickit5k.raceroster.com/.

In honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, the Kick It 5K will also feature a pre-race ceremony honoring pancreatic cancer survivors. Members of the Kosten Foundation’s pancreatic cancer support group will speak, survivors in attendance will be recognized, and the names of friends and family lost to the disease will be read aloud as a tribute. The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. and anyone interested is encouraged to attend.

Since 2003, the Kosten Foundation has donated more than $2.4 million to pancreatic cancer research. The Foundation’s latest round of research grants helped fund research teams in Memphis, New York City, Dallas, and McAllen, TX. In addition to its research efforts, the Kosten Foundation hosts the only free, virtual pancreatic cancer support group in the Mid-South. For more information about the Kosten Foundation and their mission, you can go to their website at kostenfoundation.com.