Who We Are

The Kosten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research was founded in 2003 by the family of Herb Kosten after his death due to pancreatic cancer. Kosten’s family sought to improve community support, awareness, and funding for pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest known cancers. The organization has raised close to $2,000,000 for pancreatic cancer research and hosts a very active monthly support group meeting for patients, their families, and anyone interested in learning more about pancreatic cancer.

Our Programs

In 2004, in honor of Herb’s love of tennis, the Memphis-based organization began hosting annual tennis tournaments to raise money to fight pancreatic cancer and in 2011 the group held its first Kick It 5K run/walk. The annual signature event has grown to include more than 2,000 participants.

Money raised from the Kick It 5K and other Kosten Foundation events helps fund pancreatic cancer research and support fellowship training for future pancreatic cancer surgeons at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. In addition, the Foundation presents a yearly symposium headlined by nationally recognized leaders in the field of pancreatic cancer.

The mission of Kosten foundation is four-fold:

• To establish support and a forum for communication amongst those afflicted with pancreatic cancer via support group meetings and this website.
• To assist with the training of future pancreatic surgeons.
• To provide funding for a yearly Memphis public lecture on pancreatic cancer delivered by a nationally and/or internationally renowned expert on the disease.
• To provide funding for clinical and basic research toward improving outcomes of those afflicted with pancreatic cancer.