The Etownian >> Campus Life
Movember: changing the way cancer is seen at colleges
Thursday November 19 2009
Movember, whose name is derived from a combination of Mo’ (mustache) and November, began in 2003 with the intention of soliciting donations to help fund men’s cancer research. To help encourage philanthropy, men are encouraged to start clean-shaven Nov. 1 and grow their mustaches throughout the remainder of the month, grooming them as they please. At the end of the month, there are celebrations across the globe honoring the Mo’ Bros (men) and Mo’ Sistas (women) who raised money for the Movember Foundation. The foundation then divides the money and donates it to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the LIVESTRONG Campaign, anchored by bicycling champion Lance Armstrong.
The original intention still remains the same today; however, the participation has grown enormously since 2003. In the first year, the Movember Foundation had a total of 30 registrants around the globe helping to raise money toward men’s health. In 2009, the foundation currently has 236,242 participants around the world; 26,175 of them in the United States. In total, they have currently raised $12,840,635 to fight prostate and testicular cancer this year.
The campaign that Movember uses for funds often compared to the very popular Relay For Life, held by the American Cancer Society. Members who sign up can ask family and friends to donate to their cause, either by taking donations online or by sending in cash and checks to the Movember Foundation. At the end of the month, Gala Parties are sponsored around the world, celebrating the money raised along with the month-long growth of the participants’ mustaches.
With all these donations coming in from Movember, the Prostate Cancer Foundation couldn’t be happier. Executive VP Howard Soule said in a press release, “Movember supplies fuel for hope for prostate cancer victims.” He also mentioned that 100 percent of the funds they receive due to Movember go toward research in an attempt to find a cure for prostate cancer. Currently, it is one of the fastest growing cancers among adults, on average one man is diagnosed every eight minutes worldwide.
The biggest challenge that the Movember Foundation seems to face is simply encouraging participation among the male population. Although some men become very excited about growing their ’staches, many are worried about what their female counterparts will think. However, many female students here at Etown feel that mustaches enhance a guy’s overall appearance. Sophomore Krystal Talley said, “It is very distinguished. Plus, you get a little something extra when you kiss them.”
First-year Alena Marani also chimed in, “I like mustache scruff. Something about mustaches is just really sexy on certain guys.” Although it may be wise for men in a relationship to seek counsel with their significant other before partaking in mustache growth, most girls will not have a problem with it, especially considering the cause that it is helping.
Overall, Movember is a cool way for men to raise funds to fight testicular and prostate cancer and is a fun competition to have among your college dormmates. It brings friends together and pushes them to fight for a good cause — while bettering a man’s face, one mustache at a time.
The Etownian >> Campus Life