Through social media, we recently encountered a patient-led, KRAS-specific patient advocacy organisation called KRAS Kickers. They are doing stellar work for those affected by the KRAS biomarker. We made contact, met via a Zoom call with founder Terri Conneran, and have forged an alliance for sharing information and progress to mark Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2022.
KRAS Knowledge + Research + Advocacy = Survivorship
The KRAS biomarker, or gene mutation, is the most common cancer biomarker associated with lung, colorectal, and other cancers. Terri Conneran, who has been battling lung cancer since 2017, founded KRAS Kickers to create a network for patients and families in search of KRAS information and support.
“Until very recently,” says Conneran, “the prognosis was dismal for cancer patients with the KRAS biomarker. For four decades, KRAS was considered ‘undruggable.’ Now, though, because of promising clinical trials and new therapeutics, we are celebrating a Pipeline of Hope for KRAS cancer patients.”
KRAS Kickers (kraskickers.org) is a patient-founded organisation, operating under the Dusty Joy Foundation, a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organisation, with a mission to connect people to current research, resources, and community to kick cancer’s KRAS. Founded in 2019 by Conneran, KRAS Kickers focuses on people with any KRAS oncogene cancer including patients, survivors, and all who care. Within KRAS Kickers, members engage with leading doctors, researchers, and advocates to build knowledge and learn about the latest in research to help aid in survivorship.
KRAS Kickers Programmes and Services
K – KRAS Knowledge
The organisation holds discussions with experts from around the globe to discuss cutting edge research, medical breakthroughs, and the latest updates in KRAS. These educational sessions are free to patients, advocates, and care partners. Through their annual hybrid conference, attended by over 200 around the world, they bring doctors, researchers, and patients together to share resources, advance knowledge, and discuss recent developments for those with a KRAS biomarker.
R – Research
KRAS Kickers provides access to KRAS clinical trials while partnering with organizations to increase much-needed funding for KRAS-specific research to improve outcomes for patients.
A – Advocacy
The non-profit provides education and support to empower patients to be their own health advocates and partner with organizations to provide peer to peer support.
S – Survivorship
The organisation has established a dynamic and active online community that allows people with a KRAS biomarker to connect and share information. In addition to a private Facebook group, KRAS Kickers provides bi-monthly opportunities for individuals to meet virtually, ask questions, offer support, and build camaraderie among members.
In addition to offering programmes and services to all with KRAS-driven cancer, they kicked off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month with an exciting discussion with Dr Tanios Bekaii-Saab about the latest in research and treatments for patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Dr Bekaii-Saab is a Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Leader of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, and Director of the Clinical Cancer Research Office for the Enterprise-wide Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.
Dr Bekaii-Saab conducts clinical and translational research focused on developing anticancer agents for patients with gastrointestinal cancers. He collaborates extensively with various scientists and industry partners to design and execute innovative clinical trials, including many first-in-human studies. His research includes a large focus on the incorporation of agents that target the multiple facets of cancer, including genetic and epigenetic drivers, as well as the feeding microenvironment and the immune milieu.
The KRAS Kickers community believes that hope shared is hope multiplied. They actively monitor and share KRAS-related research developments, information, and clinical trials so they can help others find answers, explore treatment options, and connect with others on a similar journey. To learn more about KRAS Kickers, visit their website, request to join their private Facebook group community, or join the conversation on Twitter.