The grant has been designated to support doctoral students, purchase new lab equipment, and support continued research efforts through the Dermon II Family and Herb Kosten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

“Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest diseases and there is currently no cure. Our lab is working towards finding a cure and improving the ability for early detection for pancreatic cancer,” said Subhash Chauhan, UTHSC Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “This generous donation from the Kosten Foundation will help us bring the best and brightest research students to Memphis and provide them state-of-the-art equipment on which to conduct this important research.”

Since the Kosten Foundation was established in 2003, they have raised close to $2,000,000 in the fight against pancreatic cancer and have provided regular donations to the UTHSC pancreatic cancer research team, including a $200,000 grant in 2016 to establish the Dermon II Family and Herb Kosten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund. The organization works hand-in-hand with the UTHSC research team to help educate the general public about pancreatic cancer, the medical advances the research team achieves, and support and advocacy opportunities for those affected by pancreatic cancer.

“We are proud to announce this grant for the continued research at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for a cure for pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal forms of cancer,” said Alan Kosten, Chairman of the Herb Kosten Pancreatic Cancer Charitable Fund. “We are thankful for the work of our partners, the UTHSC pancreatic cancer research team, and their commitment to supporting the Kosten Foundation’s mission of research, advocacy, education, and hope in the fight against this deadly disease.”

The Kosten Foundation holds support group meetings at the Cordova Public Library the second Saturday of every month for those affected by pancreatic cancer. The pancreatic cancer support group is open to anyone who would like to attend.

PHOTO:

Representatives from Kosten Foundation present a ceremonial check representing the $300,000 grant to researchers and representatives from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Left to Right: Lori Goldberg, Kosten Foundation; Jeffrey Goldberg, Kosten Foundation; Subhash Chauhan, PhD, UTHSC; Alan Kosten, Kosten Foundation; Kathryn Gilbert Craig, Kosten Foundation; Julie Kosten, Kosten Foundation; Meena Jaggi, PhD.

The Kosten Foundation can be found online at:

http://www.kostenfoundation.com

http://www.facebook.com/kosten-foundation

http://www.twitter.com/kostenfdn

About the Kosten Foundation:

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. In 2004, in honor of Kosten’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 2,500 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. For more information about the Kosten Foundation, its programs, and events, visit the website at kostenfoundation.com.

About the University of Tennessee Foundation:

The University of Tennessee Foundation was established in 2001 to support the University of Tennessee’s educational, research and public activities. As the preferred channel for all private contributions that benefit students and faculty at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, the UT Foundation works with donors to secure funds for scholarships, professorships, research, outreach programs, and other University initiatives. More information can be found atwww.uthscalumni.com

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