WASHINGTON, Ill. — When Kevin Brown passed away in June 2019, it shook the local area.
Brown, former Washington basketball coach, lost his battle with Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, after being diagnosed in August of 2018.
Above all else, Brown cared about people, said his wife Jodi.
“He wanted to develop young student-athletes into being good husbands, employees, friends,” said Brown. “I had kids early on say ‘You don’t understand, he helped raise me.’”
Brown said she does understand, because her husband made her the person she is today as well.
“Former players, players’ wives and former students are involved in making sure that events like BrownFest happen and that we continue to keep his legacy alive,” said Brown.
In his honor, Jodi Brown and family started the KBStrong – Fighting the Fight foundation to raise awareness for Glioblastoma.
Jodi Brown said the foundation was created to do as the name says: fight the fight.
“We’re trying to battle and make a difference,” said Brown.
Brown added that she and the foundation are also committed to improving the standard of care for patients with Glioblastoma, saying that the standard of care has remained the same for years.
This Saturday, Sept. 5, is the second annual BrownFest, an event to raise money for Glioblastoma research and honor Brown’s legacy.
The event begins at 9:00 a.m. at Five Points Washington with events going on throughout the day.
Brown said that there will be ample space to stay socially distanced and for people to bring their own lawn chairs to enjoy the event.
There will be a 5K, bags tournament, and performances by three bands.
More information can be found on the KBStrong – Fighting the Fight Facebook and website.
Full interview with Jodi Brown:
