Memphis, Tenn., September 25, 2017 – The Kosten Foundation’s annual Purple Night will showcase advances by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Pancreatic Research Team in the fight against Pancreatic Cancer on October 7, 2017, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the UT Health Science Center Auditorium-Cancer Research Center (CRB Building), 19 South Manassas, Memphis, Tennessee. The public is invited to the free event to meet the Pancreatic Cancer research team and learn what they are working on, with support from the Kosten Foundation and others, to end Pancreatic Cancer.

Guests will learn how the Pancreatic Cancer Research Team at UT Health Science Center is helping to fight Pancreatic Cancer and support cancer doctors, patients and their families. The Pancreatic Cancer Research Team was recently awarded two substantial grants, totaling $3.4 million, from the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. Each grant totals $1.7 million, to be distributed over five years. Many of the scientists who are performing the research are and/or were Kosten Fellows, and all of the research is being performed in The Dermon II Family and Herb Kosten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, which was established through a $200,000 grant from the Kosten Foundation in 2016.

“Purple Night gives individuals the opportunity to meet the UT Health Science Center Pancreatic Cancer Research Team, learn what they are working on, and hear about advancements they have made to help fight this deadly disease,” said Alan Kosten, Chairman of the Herb Kosten Pancreatic Cancer Charitable Fund. “The Kosten Foundation exists to support events such as these, as well as help fund research to find a cure for Pancreatic Cancer.”

Traditional Indian food will be prepared and served by the Research Team, and admission is free and open to the public. Anyone wishing to learn more about the Kosten Foundation, the research it is involved in, as well as the free pancreatic cancer support group that the Foundation offers, is invited to attend. RSVP by September 29 to HerbKostenFoundation@gmail.com.

The Kosten Foundation can be found online at:

http://www.kostenfoundation.com

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

http://www.twitter.com/kostenfdn

About Pancreatic Cancer:

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose, mainly because there are no “definitive” symptoms, but also because standard tests often return negative results. Patients often comment on experiencing a variety of symptoms prior to diagnoses, including unintended weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, back or belly pain, fatigue and jaundice. According to the American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates:

• About 53,670 people (27,970 men and 25,700 women) will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year.
• About 43,090 people (22,300 men and 20,790 women) will die of pancreatic cancer this year.
• Pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the US and about 7% of all cancer deaths.
• The average lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer for both men and women is about 1 in 65 (1.5%).

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 over $1,000,000 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 2,000 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. For more information about the Kosten Foundation, its programs, and events, visit the website at kostenfoundation.com.