Mo’ Money, Mo’ Research
November 1st, 2011 § Leave a Comment
November 1 marks the beginning of Movember, 30 days of pure mustache mayhem in the name of raising awareness and money for men’s health issues.
Movember day 1: Baby fresh.
Movember focuses on removing the stigma behind prostate cancer and the attitude toward exams for the disease. In Canada, all funds raised go to Prostate Cancer Canada, who work with patients and to educate the public about the illness. So… I’m growing a moustache.
Currently I’m at the very baby stages of the mustache as you can tell by my photograph. It’s been almost 2 years since I’ve actually shaved with a razor, so I was pleasantly surprised when I didn’t slice my face off. And aside from getting carded at the Beer Store today, I feel good, almost rejuvenated by my bald face. During the month I’ll post updates on the stages of development and hopefully I won’t be too embarrassed with the final product on November 30. You’re invited to come along on the fabulous journey with me through the month of Movember as I regain my manhood.
I haven’t been directly affected by cancer, my grandmother died of cancer but that was 20 years before I was born. The reason why I feel like it is important to participate in an event such as this, is because that could change tomorrow, so awareness is key. 25,000 men will be diagnosed this year alone with prostate cancer while 4,100 men will die from the disease. With over 90 per cent of all cases prostate cancer being curable if detected early, events like Movember will undoubtedly save lives by educating Canada about this cancer.
Since it’s humble beginnings in 1999, Movember now has 1.1 million active participants and has raised $176 million. Last year, 119,000 Canadians participated, raising $22.3 million dollars for the cause. 88 per cent of all donations, or $19.6 million, went directly to cancer programs and health education, proving that a simple idea can yield monumental results.
I’d also like to say, hats off to (Jonas) Hiller of the Anaheim Ducks for his Movember goalie mask. The mask features photographs of Hiller and his teammates all sporting classy mustaches and does a great job of showing the wide array of facial hair options. It’s encouraging to see someone who reaches such a massive audience doing something constructive like this and certainly offers hope that this movement will continue to grow and develop.
So I’m only gonna ask this once men… Who’s growing with me? Who’s growing with me, man?
Donate here: http://mobro.co/KyleMumford
