On November 5th, due to bad timing I shaved my hair and cut my beard for something called No Shave November. Although it may seem like something of a gimmick No Shave November is about much more than just having fun it’s made as a time to gather funds for those who don’t have hair to shave.
Most Americans are aware of Breast Cancer as they should be. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in the year 2013 about 39,620 women will die from breast cancer. However far fewer Americans are aware of Prostate Cancer which is just as deadly as breast cancer and nearly causes as many deaths. The ACS recognizes this; in fact according to their estimates 29,720 men will have died by the time 2013 is over.
With this knowledge of the deadly edge of prostate cancer and other issues affecting men such as testicular cancer, ,depression and more an organization known as the Movember Foundation, which was created in 2004 within Austria would go on to hold an International annual month-long charity. They have been able to boast several hundred million dollars in donations thus far.
The Movember Foundation had a tradition of growing a mustache or “mo” during the month of November. From this an online charity named No-Shave-November. Challenged male participants to shave their facial hair before and then never again during the entire month of November. In honor of the victims of cancer who lost their hair because of Chemotherapy.
After hearing all of this I decided to cut my hair and shave. I thought it would be a great way to deal with the problem of my hair and spread awareness of cancer in one shock. The entire idea behind No Shave November is that not shaving your beard and mustache will prompt conversations. You can then tell people about No Shave November and cancers that you think they may not know about. Even if it’s too late SHAVE! It’s really not that bad and it’s for a good cause. So SHAVE! THAT! BEARD!