People put away their razors when November hits, but the grizzly faces that emerge serve an important purpose, which most people are unaware of.
No-Shave November is a way for people to get away with not shaving, but it is actually devoted to increasing awareness and raising funds to support cancer prevention, research and education.
We think it’s important to note that this is not just a popular trend to follow. It has a real cause, and that cause should be acknowledged and supported. Don’t just grow your beard to fit in. Educate yourself on the cause, and contribute what you can.
No-Shave November should not to be confused with Movember, which actually focuses on raising awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.
Movember also occurs in November but is targeting the growth of mustaches, rather than overall hair growth.
The No-Shave November rules are simple: put away your razor for 30 days, embrace your extensive hair growth. At the end of the month, donate your monthly expenses you’d typically spend on hair maintenance to the organization. The organization uses the money to educate people about cancer, cancer research and cancer patients fighting for their lives. The organization encourages teams and participants, as it may encourage friendly competition.
All in all, despite its awkwardness, No-Shave November is for a wonderful cause, and the exponential number of people who participate worldwide seem to agree.
So far, the organization has raised $530,163 with 8,579 participants and 1,936 teams. Some larger foundations involved are the American Cancer Society, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Though the tradition has been around for many years, in the fall of 2009 the Chicagoland Hill family decided to turn the tradition into a direct charity, after the loss of their father from colon cancer in 2007.
Following Breast Cancer awareness in the month of October, No-Shave November takes another step to make educating the public on the growing concern and research of cancer. Like the process of cancer, it is not just for not meant to bring awareness and donations for just a month.
So men and women, put away your razors, and let the hair flow; if not for the No-Shave November organization, do it for the people battling cancer worldwide.
— The Cougar Editorial Board
This article really belongs in News instead of the opinion column. It just needed to be worded a little differently.