No Shave November

Added by Madi Hickman, Mary Kate Huddleston, Piper Muhlhauser on December 1, 2016.
Saved under All Posts, School

No-Shave November, or “Movember,” is where men go without shaving their beards/facial hair for a whole month to raise awareness for certain cancers that men can get/have. Some of the teachers here at Talawanda will be participating, including Mr. Hunsche, art teacher, Mr. Caudill, history, Mr. Aerni, English, and Mr. Maynard, history.

Hunsche says that he wanted to do No-Shave November because he wanted to show support for men’s health: “I wanted to show support for men’s health and our team of MOhio, to raise money for men’s health awareness. It’s also nice to grow a beard for a month and not worry about shaving.”

He says to donate to his team, MOhio, and to spread the word.

Aerni says he read the Hamilton Journal back in 2012, and thought not shaving for a whole month sounded fun, and it was for a good cause. So, he sent an email out to THS and to a few friends to see if there was any interest. There was.

“I think the first year we had about 16 guys involved. The number of team members has changed over the years, but this is our fifth year for Team MOhio, and we’ve raised a pretty good amount of funding for the MOvember foundation,” says Aerni.

He says talking is a good way to raise awareness: “I think it’s particularly important for young men to talk about considering that testicular cancer is more common among younger men. However, discussion across ages is important, as well…especially for things like prostate cancer. Being aware of the symptoms, seeing the doctor regularly, staying physically active…those things are important,” Aerni tells.

Mr. Maynard says that to be open with discussion for men’s cancer can help spread awareness, and talking about these difficult situations and diagnoses can be tough for people, but personal support is very helpful to those suffering.

“We can’t ignore the issue because it is difficult or uncomfortable to talk about,” says Maynard. “Awareness and support is important regardless of the month. Grow a moustache and mutton chops whenever you want (who knows what’s in store for me), but don’t forget the real reason behind this month in the first place.”

Mr. Maynard is participating in No-Shave November for men’s prostate cancer, but also to see what was in store for him in terms of facial hair!

“I did no-shave November because I can finally look like I have somewhat respectable facial hair, also maybe a possible excuse to grow sideburns and a moustache outside the 70s? Who knows. Also to support awareness of prostate cancer, obviously,” Maynard says.

No-Shave November was originally created as a fundraiser for cancer awareness, prevention, research, and education. Why not shave? Many cancer patients lose their hair and in honor of them, the participants let their hair grow wild and free. The purpose is so they can then donate the money they would regularly use to groom their facial hair to help the causes. Anybody, male or female, can donate at https://no-shave.org/ but if you can grow a beard, do it! That makes this month all the more fun. Want more information on cancer? Check out our cancer timeline and see how cancer has changed and its treatment options have improved by clicking here!