The Kosten Foundation has raised more than $1,500,000 for pancreatic cancer research, much of which is done in The Dermon II Family and Herb Kosten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Established through a $200,000 grant from the foundation in 2016, the center is located in the Cancer Research Building on campus.
The organization’s eighth annual Kick It 5K fund-raiser will take place on Sunday, April 8, beginning at 1 p.m. at Shelby Farms Park. Last year’s race raised $150,000 for pancreatic cancer research. The all-ages event includes a 5K run, 1-mile fun walk, opportunities for spirit runners (T-shirt supporters), a survivor ceremony, entertainment, and food vendors. Participants registered by March 13 will have a chance to win a Fitbit.
“It is a fun time for everyone, with the actual run, the fun walk, Corky’s BBQ, live music, and fun photo booth,” said Alan Kosten, chairman of the Kosten Foundation. “People of all ages will have a great time, while helping to raise awareness and fund pancreatic cancer research at our own University of Tennessee Health Science Center.”
Visit https://kickit5k.racesonline.com/register to sign up. Each team member registered will be timed individually. Participants have the option to donate and/or raise funds in addition to registering for the race. To donate or raise funds, visit https://kickit5k.racesonline.com/donate-fundraise. Mail-in registration closes March 31 at midnight.
“My cancer research team and the Kosten Foundation are working together diligently to find a cure for pancreatic cancer, also known as the silent killer,” said Subhash Chauhan, PhD, professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy and founding director of the Institute of Biomarker and Molecular Therapeutics at UTHSC. “ I want to challenge the entire UTHSC campus community to sign up for a team, come out and learn more about pancreatic cancer, its symptoms and risk factors during this year’s Kick It 5K. Let’s defeat this devious disease and wage hope.”
Runners participating in the 5K and one-mile walkers may take advantage of an early bird discount of a $25 donation to register and participate through March 21. Registration donations increase to $30 from March 22 through April 7, and $35 on race day. Spirit runner registration donations are $15 through March 21, $20 from March 22 through April 7, and $25 on race day. Survivors run/walk for free. Mail-in registration closes March 31 at midnight.
As the only group of its kind in the Mid-South, the Kosten Foundation’s support group provides a caring environment for patients and their families, as they strive to understand treatment options, nutrition, how to manage their recovery from surgery, and more. For more information, visit www.kostenfoundation.com.