Organizations and Individuals throughout the Mid-South joined together to Raise Awareness and Funds to Fight Pancreatic Cancer

MEMPHIS, TENN., December 13, 2018 – This November, the Kosten Foundation raised $13,150 to fight pancreatic cancer and brought awareness to one of the most deadly forms of cancer. Individuals and businesses across the region and state participated in more than 15 events, including the annual symposium lecture, City and County Mayoral Proclamations, purple lighting of public and private structures, a Tribute at Twilight event, and Kosten Foundation Purple Day for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness. The majority of the money raised by the Kosten Foundation helps fund pancreatic cancer research and support fellowship training for future pancreatic cancer surgeons at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Since 2006, the Kosten Foundation has donated over $1.5M to the UTHSC pancreatic cancer research team. 

“We feel humbled and honored by our community’s support in bringing awareness to this deadly form of cancer and greatly appreciate the amount of donations we received to help continue our fight against Pancreatic Cancer,” said Alan Kosten, Chairman of the Herb Kosten Pancreatic Cancer Charitable Fund.

Kosten Foundation November Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Activities Included:

Mayoral Proclamations “Kosten Foundation Purple Day for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness”

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner proclaimed November 15 as “Kosten Foundation Purple Day for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness,” at Butler Park, with the support of the pancreatic cancer community in attendance. The proclamation was presented to the Kosten Foundation, followed by the purple lighting of the bridge. Germantown City Mayor Mike Palazzolo proclaimed November 2018 as “Kosten Foundation Purple Month for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness.” The proclamation was presented at the city-wide meeting at Germantown City Hall on November 15.

Kosten Foundation Annual Symposium

The annual symposium, on November 14, hosted keynote speaker Dr. David Kooby, professor of surgery at the Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Kooby lectured on minimally invasive pancreatic resection to an audience of scientists, doctors, students, survivors, families and other members of the public.

Tribute at Twilight

On November 3, the annual event at Cancers Survivor Park remembered those lost to pancreatic cancer and celebrated survivors. Sharing of stories, purple pinwheels and glow sticks in remembrance and honor of those lost to pancreatic cancer and those still fighting it.

PANCakes for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness at Strano by Chef Josh

Purple Pancakes were on the brunch menu every Saturday & Sunday in November. All proceeds of pancake sales were donated to the Kosten Foundation.

Big River Crossing and Hernando DeSoto Bridge Turned Purple

The Big River Crossing and Hernando Desoto Bridge turned purple for World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day, November 15, starting at sundown.

Liberty Bowl Turned Purple

The stadium lights turned purple for Kosten Foundation Purple Day, November 15

Memphis Botanic Garden Turned Purple

The garden turned purple throughout November for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Children’s Museum of Memphis Turned Purple

The Children’s Museum of Memphis interior and carousel turned purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month November 12 to November 15.

Tennessee State Capitol Building Turned Purple

The state capitol building turned purple for Kosten Foundation Purple Day, November 15

Orpheum Marquee Turned Purple

The Orpheum displayed a custom marquee sign for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month on November 16

Grahamwood Elementary School Turned Purple

Students and Faculty of the Shelby County school wore purple and raised $170 for the Kosten Foundation.

Lisa’s Lunchbox Placed Purple Pick-up Stickers on Delivery/Pick-up Orders

Lisa’s Lunchbox placed special purple Kosten Foundation stickers on all pick-up/delivery orders in support of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. 

Stak’s Pancake Kitchen Placed Purple Pick-up Stickers on Delivery/Pick-up Orders

Stak’s Pancake Kitchen placed special purple Kosten Foundation stickers on pick-up/delivery orders in support of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. 

Theatre Memphis Distributed Kosten Foundation Purple Cups

All beverage sales were provided in Kosten Foundation purple cups throughout November.

Loflin Yard Distributed Kosten Foundation Purple Cups

Throughout the end of November, the restaurant distributed Kosten Foundation Purple Cups in support of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Awareness Billboards

Three large digital billboards that were strategically located on some of the most traveled traffic corridors in Memphis displayed messages about pancreatic cancer and the Kosten Foundation during November.

Monthly Support Group Meeting

Hosted on the second Saturday of each month, the free, monthly support group meets for people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, people who have beaten it, and friends and family members.