About KBStrong

 When Kevin Brown was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, he wanted to be a cancer survivor and he wanted to help others in their battle against this terrible disease. Unfortunately, after a courageous 10 month battle, Kevin passed on June 11, 2019. His wife, Jodi, family and friends are committed to keeping his legacy alive by carrying on the mission of KBSTRONG - Fighting the Fight…raise awareness of Glioblastoma, fund research for Glioblastoma and help others affected by this deadly disease. We do this through the Warrior Fund and HEROES program.  

About KB

 When Kevin Brown was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, he wanted to be a cancer survivor and he wanted to help others in their battle against this terrible disease. Unfortunately, after a courageous 10 month battle, Kevin passed on June 11, 2019. His wife, Jodi, family and friends are committed to keeping his legacy alive by carrying on the mission of KBSTRONG - Fighting the Fight…raise awareness of Glioblastoma, fund research for Glioblastoma and help others affected by this deadly disease. We do this through the Warrior Fund and HEROES program.  


BOB BROWN

PRESIDENT

 

 

What was your relationship to Kevin?

Proud Dad

Do you have a favorite memory of Kevin?

I remember so much, the day he was born, and the curly red headed boy I loved to spend time with that grew up to be a bald man that I loved to spend time with. One of my favorite more recent memories was walking the Mark Linder Walk with him, he was already trying to find a cure.

My memories are so many, sometimes they make me smile, sometimes they make me cry. I feel so lucky I can call him my son. I miss talking to him, laughing and joking with him, I keep waiting for him to call.

What do you think made Kevin special or unique?

Kevin was funny, thoughtful, straightforward, if you were his friend you were a friend for life. He wore his heart on his sleeve because he cared so much.

He coached basketball the same way he played the game. The desire to win and in the process make players great young men, both mattered so much.

What do you want people to know about Glioblastoma and/or the efforts of the KBSTRONG - Fighting the Fight foundation?

I had never heard of glioblastoma. It is one of the worst diseases I know of and the only way to cure it is with research and research takes money.

If you were face to face with Kevin today, what would you tell him?

I love you. I miss you every day! Keep watching over me, my son!


BRAD STEWART

SECRETARY

 

 

What was your relationship to Kevin?

I met KB the first day he moved to Washington. He and his wife Jodi quickly became Mandy and I's best friends. There were very few nights we didn't eat dinner together, and very few vacations we didn't go on together.

Do you have a favorite memory of Kevin?

I have a ton of favorite memories, it's impossible to list just one. I would say my favorite memories are the trips to Destin, Colorado, and Vegas. Each of those trips were filled with tons of fun and laughter. There are so many great times and so many stories I could share from each of the trips we took.

What do you think made Kevin special or unique?

Kevin loved people, especially young people. He knew if he could get any amount of time with a young person, he could impact their lives, and that's exactly what he did. Kevin was known to be a tough coach, and would use the word "soft" to drive players to play harder and give effort they didn't know they had in them. Kevin was one of the "softest" guys I have ever known. Soft hearted. I once saw him extremely upset, in tears about a student who had lost her home in a house fire. I for 15 seasons, would see him physically and emotionally upset over players. He would get so emotional over their successes and failures.

What do you want people to know about Glioblastoma and/or the efforts of the KBSTRONG - Fighting the Fight foundation?

Glioblastoma is a death sentence. Simple as that. It does not discriminate. Glioblastoma took my grandmother's life at 79 years old, KB's at 50 years old, and have seen this impact young people. KBStrong's number one goal and priority is to raise awareness, and raise funds to help for research purposes in hopes of slowing this horrible disease down and ultimately find a cure.

If you were face to face with Kevin today, what would you tell him?

I've missed you, I love you. Your wife has been a rock star in carrying on your vision after your diagnosis. Your team has been in great hands with Coach E, Martin, Vandy, and they all miss you as well… let's have a Crown and Diet!


CHRIS HAWKINS

BOARD MEMBER

 

 

What was your relationship to Kevin?

Brownie and I met in Kindergarten at Lexington Elementary School back in 1975. We had a huge connection to sports. We played all 3 sports together from the age of 6 to 19. We were both extremely competitive. We stood up for one another in each other's weddings.

Do you have a favorite memory of Kevin?

I remember he was obsessed with Delray Brooks who played for Bobby Knight at Indiana from 1984-1986. Kevin told me he was going to name his first son Delray. In the meantime, he named one of his basketballs Delray and wrote the letters D-E-L-R-A-Y across the ball and even seatbelted it in his car.

What do you think made Kevin special or unique?

KB was an extreme competitor. He hated to lose. He always knew how to put himself in the best position to win. As a coach, he saw potential for his players they didn't even know they could reach. This was uncomfortable at times for the player, but for those who were able to persevere, they not only became a better player--but a better man. His former players loved him dearly for that.

What do you want people to know about Glioblastoma and/or the efforts of the KBSTRONG - Fighting the Fight foundation?

It's the deadliest form of cancer in the world. Anyone who has experienced it firsthand would do nearly anything to rid it from the face of this earth.

If you were face to face with Kevin today, what would you tell him?

I would simply tell him how much I've missed him...oh, and then I'd find Michael Brown and the 3 of us would sit down and finish our game of Go Fish.


DAVID CHEEVER

BOARD MEMBER

 

 

 

What was your relationship to Kevin?

Kevin’s mother and my mother were sisters, so Kevin is my first cousin. However, that doesn’t come close to describing our relationship. We grew up one block away from each other and at 3 yrs old, he was my best friend. We grew up together in a very small town, always playing sports together, going out together, and yes even getting in trouble together. As we grew older, we shared a love of family, music, and sports.

Do you have a favorite memory of Kevin?

I have several, but two stand alone. The first was when I was 9 and Kevin was 10, we rode our bikes out to our grandparent’s farm which was 7 miles outside of the town we lived in. At the time it was the adventure of a lifetime for me. Kevin told me our mom’s said it was ok if we did that – and he greatly exaggerated as they had no idea where we were on that day. We both got in big trouble for that one! The second was the night of the picture above, at an Eric Church concert right next to the stage and just sharing the moment with him. We both knew it was a special night.

What do you think made Kevin special or unique?

Kevin was special in that he single-handedly willed himself to greatness. He had good athletic talent, but not great. And yet he played college basketball at a high level. He struggled through education growing up but became one of the most influential teachers that most kids ever had. He never was given anything, he always took it! His energy and drive were unlike anyone I’ve met in person ever.

What do you want people to know about Glioblastoma and/or the efforts of the KBSTRONG – Fighting the Fight foundation?

I want them to know that they are not alone! This disease is powerful and unrelenting, and that is exactly why you need an army by your side to fight it. KBSTRONG is that army! We will listen, we will share resources, we offer hope, we offer action, and we will always Fight the Fight! And for those lucky enough not to be touched by this but can offer even a few dollars of support, know that money goes directly towards research for a cure as well as supportive funds for families in the fight.

If you were face to face with Kevin today, what would you tell him?

I’m not even sure I would be able to form the words that would adequately tell him what I was thinking or feeling. I would give him the biggest hug and try not to let go. After that I would tell him that we miss him terribly but that he would be AMAZED at how those closest to him have carried on with strength and honor in his name. Then I would ask him to sit down and have a cocktail with me and let’s start telling stories.


ERIC SCHERMERHORN

TREASURER

 

 

What was your relationship to Kevin?

In 2006, Coach Brown hired me onto the Panther Basketball staff. I was Coach's varsity assistant. It didn't take long for me to consider Coach Brown one of my closest friends. Being on Coach's staff was not a job or a duty, it was an opportunity to hang out with your friends for hours upon hours each day.

Do you have a favorite memory of Kevin?

Scouting with Coach Brown was always an event. First and foremost, we never just went on the scout. First we practiced, then we scrambled to gather the camera and notebooks, and then we scurried out the back locker room door. On one trip early in the season, Coach and I were cutting it close. We had driven nearly two hours. The parking lot was full. So Coach started a new scouting tradition, he chose to park the Burb in the Ottowa Principal’s parking spot. From here on out he never parked in a “normal” spot. We parked under trees, in front of dumpsters, and I could go on. We scouted the game in Ottawa, got our film, and were ready for the return trip back to Washington. We usually ate prior to a scout, but due to the time crunch we ate afterwards on this night. Coach loved to eat. We pulled into a Wendy’s. He ordered two burgers, fries, a Diet Coke, and a Frosty. We had done this hundreds of times, so his order came as no shock. However, this time was different. We pulled out of the Wendy’s parking lot and Coach said, I don’t think this is enough for the trip home. He pulled right back into the drive thru and ordered a cup of chili and another sandwich. The worker thought she had forgotten something in our order. No, it was Classic Coach Brown!

What do you think made Kevin special or unique?

Coach was loyal. He practiced what he preached. He demanded our players give everything on the floor and off the floor. In return, Coach gave his players 100% of his effort, his heart, and his love. Coach adopted a mantra of "tradition never graduates." Once you played for Washington Basketball and Coach Brown, you were one of his boys forever.

What do you want people to know about Glioblastoma and/or the efforts of the KBSTRONG - Fighting the Fight foundation?

Coach Brown was the master of knowing our opponent's weaknesses. Glioblastoma has to have weaknesses. Sometimes, like watching a very talented team, you have to put in more hours, more effort, and think even more creatively to defeat that opponent. KBStrong is taking Coach's approach, as we are dedicated to providing the means so the best doctors and researchers in the world can defeat this lethal opponent.

If you were face to face with Kevin today, what would you tell him?

Thank you Coach. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of something so gigantic and meaningful. Thank you for inviting me to be a member of your family. Thank you for teaching me so much more than just the game of basketball. I miss you at practice, on the sidelines, in the office, on scouting trips, and at school. Thank you Coach, I love you.


JEFF KASHER

BOARD MEMBER

 

 

What was your relationship to Kevin?

I was Kevin's Asstistant Coach at Central Catholic for 6 yrs. I learned more about basketball in those 6 yrs. then I did in my entire life. Kevin was my best friend. He was the one who stayed in constant contact with me when we moved to Atlanta. I really needed those phone calls, because the move was very difficult at first.

Do you have a favorite memory of Kevin?

Celebrating winning our 1st regional championship at our house after the game. He was sitting on our couch holding the trophy. As we know he went on to win many trophies and much bigger trophies but that first one was special and I will never forget that night.

What do you think made Kevin special or unique?

He could get the most out of his kids. They would reach goals that they maybe didn’t believe they were capable of. Also he was never going to be outworked. He didn’t win every game, but you didn’t beat him because you outworked him.

What do you want people to know about Glioblastoma and/or the efforts of the KBSTRONG - Fighting the Fight foundation?

First of all, that it is an Awful disease. But that KB Strong will make a difference. Jodi has the same work ethic about KB Strong that Kevin had about basketball and with her leadership KB Strong will make a difference.

If you were face to face with Kevin today, what would you tell him?

First I would tell him how much I miss him and love him. I would tell him how much I miss his humorous wit. I miss all the one liners that would always make me laugh. He had a line for every situation. I would also tell him that after hearing from many of his players, that the impact he had on there lives changed them forever. He will live on thru their lives and that his players will impact the world,all because of what they learned from their Coach.


JODI BROWN

 

What was your relationship to Kevin?

I met Kevin when I was 19 years old. We were engaged after 6 months and 4 days and married soon after my 21st birthday. Being married at 21 and 23, we learned how hard you had to work to have a great marriage. Kevin passed just shy of our 27th anniversary and he was my everything!! He was my husband, my very best friend, the person I respected the most for his honesty and values, and my head coach…as many know I pretended I was in the staff when I chimed in with my input after games :).

Do you have a favorite memory of Kevin?

I have so many memories with Kevin that I can’t even pick. The ones that make me smile the most: seeing him relax on the beach in Destin, how excited he was to buy Kamp Komfort (the RV park that was his 5-year retirement plan), the fun we had vacationing in Colorado, and when he would finally smile knowing we had gotten that “one more stop” in a big game.

What do you think made Kevin special or unique?

Kevin was one of a kind, perfectly made for me! I always said he had a demeanor that screamed love him or hate him…and I loved him with all of my heart! He didn’t trust just anyone. He had the strongest value statement and he wasn’t easily persuaded. If he liked you and trusted you in his life, not one person will convince him that you were not worthy. He loved the underdog and if you were in his life, you could always count on him to not just have your back, but convince you that you had what it takes to battle anything.

What do you want people to know about Glioblastoma and/or the efforts of the KBSTRONG – Fighting the Fight foundation?

I want people to understand how terrible this disease is. There are approximately 14,000 new Glioblastoma diagnoses in the U.S. every year. Therefore, this type of cancer doesn’t receive the attention necessary to build awareness and the necessary funding for research. I pray that someday when people hear Glioblastoma, they think KBSTRONG - Fighting the Fight, because of the impact we have had on patients, their families and friends. Until the day I die, or the day there is a cure, I will make sure that KBSTRONG remains passionate and engaged in the fight against Glioblastoma!!

If you were face to face with Kevin today, what would you tell him?

I wouldn’t have to tell him much, as I believe he is watching our every move and I am confident he is proud of the progress we are making in his memory. I know he is aware of my good times and the moments I wonder if I will survive this. So, I would hug him, tell him I love him, and NEVER let go!


MARK BROWN

VICE PRESIDENT

 

 

What was your relationship to Kevin?

Kevin was my big brother.

Do you have a favorite memory of Kevin?

Our trips to Colorado.

What do you think made Kevin special or unique?

Kevin was one of a kind. If he thought it….. he said it. If he wanted to go somewhere….he went. If he wanted to do something…..he did it. If he set a goal….he reached it. If he loved you….you knew it. He was a straight shooter and you always knew where you stood with KB.

What do you want people to know about Glioblastoma and/or the efforts of the KBSTRONG - Fighting the Fight foundation?

Glioblastoma is a dreadful, nasty disease. It is something you do not want to watch one of your loved ones go through. There has to be a cure, if nothing else we need to make this treatable and not just terminal. Hopefully through the efforts of KBSTRONG we can raise awareness and funds to donate to research to help make that a reality.

If you were face to face with Kevin today, what would you tell him?

I miss you, so much!! I miss helping you at the campground, all of us going to church together, going on vacations, you telling us where we are going to go eat, and just your advice on anything and everything. I hope we are making you proud at Kamp Komfort and are doing it how you dreamed it to be. Love you and miss you every day, big brother.