As the pink ribbons are put away from the final days of October, another trademark cancer awareness symbol begins to grow—literally. That’s because November is considered “No-Shave November” and facial hair can be found everywhere.
Although many people know what the pink ribbon campaign is for, few know that No-Shave November is a monthlong awareness campaign meant to bring attention to prostate cancer. Many participate in the campaign, growing Duck Dynasty worthy beards and mustaches.
Louie Allen, a junior studying outdoor recreation and recreation management, said he has been growing out his facial hair for the past couple years during the month with friends but never really knew what the meaning behind it was.
After Allen was informed that what he’s been doing all along is a symbol of the awareness campaign for prostate cancer, he smiled a little bit, knowing he has been unwittingly helping the cause.
“It’s something worthwhile,” Allen said. “Beardly challenged or not you should do it.”
Although some people may not be aware of what No-Shave November means, to others the importance is all too clear.
Ohio University Vice President for Student Affairs Ryan Lombardi has two brothers and one close cousin who were all affected by cancer. He said cancer awareness campaigns such as October’s pink ribbon and November’s no-shave movement are important to students.
Lombardi is planning on participating in No-Shave November by growing facial hair alongside OU students. On Oct. 30, he tweeted asking students if they’d like to see him with facial hair and the response was an overwhelming “yes,” and a new hashtag in favor of this was created: #Lombeardi.
Student Senate and Event Services are even planning on competing in an event they are calling Beards vs. Mustaches and will feature the “Noshavember” Student Senate team competing against the “Movember” Event Services team. The two groups will face off to see which facial hair growing team can raise the most money. Different events will be considered such as ugliest facial hair.
Tyler Daniels, a senior studying global studies war and peace and political science and a senator-at-large on the University Life Commission, said students are encouraged to participate by donating online or in Baker 305. The Student Senate team will also be having fundraisers on College Green where students can help their team raise money for the cause.
The events are not limited to just men. Women are also encouraged to donate and participate in fundraisers just as men are encouraged to participate in pink ribbon activities.
Lombardi said it’s an important cause to everyone on campus because most people know someone who has been affected by cancer.
TT315212@ohiou.edu
@tiffanytouville
