Bristol Myers Squibb tops Rare Cancers Australia’s Kosi Pharma-Cup

Rare Cancers Australia’s annual Kosi Challenge 2021 climbed to new heights over the weekend raising a staggering $400,000 for Australians living with rare cancers.

Despite the Kosi Challenge presenting one of the toughest walks in its history, with wild winds, thunderstorms and chair lift closures, a record number of 500 participants and teams summited 2,228 meters (above sea level) to the top of Mount Kosciusko to secure this astounding achievement for the rare cancer community.

“We’ve been absolutely blown away with the incredible response this year and witnessing the biggest Kosi Challenge to date,” said Richard Vines, CEO Rare Cancers Australia. “After a very difficult year in 2020 for fundraising activities we were unsure of how this year’s Kosi Challenge would track. I have to say we were not expecting this at all – it’s amazing.”

Now in its 9th year, the Kosi Challenge fund raising efforts were very active in the run-up to this weekend’s event and on the day of the climb – particularly for the hotly contested Kosi and Pharma Cups, both sponsored by Medicines Australia.

The winners of the Pharma Cup – Bristol Myers Squibb raised $81,215 – the largest amount ever achieved by a pharmaceutical company in the history of the Cup. They were followed by Astra Zeneca who raised $51,405 and Janssen with $46,628.

The Kosi Cup for families/friends of loved ones was won by the Prospection Team raising $17,606. The largest, individual fund raiser was Catherine Sertori from Astra Zeneca who raised $19,130.

“It has been such a wonderful weekend. The funds raised will give Rare Cancers Australia substantial momentum to support our community managing rare cancers,” said Richard Vines. “We have to say a massive thank you to all the participants and teams – we could not have achieved this record result with you.

“In particular I want to thank and acknowledge all the patients and carers who took the challenge and conquered the summit. Their stories and bravery inspires us every day and makes sure we stay focused on providing the best care and support we possibly can,” he added.

The Top Teams and Cup Winners

Kosi Pharma-Cup

• Bristol Myers Squibb – $81,215
• Astra Zeneca – $51,405
• Janssen – $46,628

Kosi Cup

• Team Prospection – $17,606
• HT Alpinists – $10,725
• Team Zane – $10,195

Top 3 Individual Fundraisers

• Catherine Sertori – Astra Zeneca $19,130
• Sara Poriters – Roche $9,130
• Helen Pan – BMS $8,700