As November temperatures drop, the scruff of Elon University men has begun to change into full-grown beards. But it isn’t the Polar Vortex causing the shift in facial hair quantity.
November has become a month dedicated to avoiding all razors, resulting in the phrase “No-Shave November.” This month has become iconic and is now the latest cultural tradition among men and women.
“I feel like it became a social trend, and everybody started to hop on the bandwagon,” junior No-Shave November participant junior Alex Buppert said.
But the reason behind these facial and body hair endeavors is more than a stylish trend-it is to raise awareness for cancer. According to the official No-Shave November organization, the goal of this month is to “grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose.”
They also recommend participants donate the money usually spent on shaving and grooming to educate ohers about cancer prevention, save lives and aid those fighting cancer.
For some, No-Shave November is just a time to experiment with a new bearded look. But other Elon students have embraced the underlying meaning of growing facial hair for a personal cause.
“It is important to always be aware that cancer isn’t cured yet,” said first year Alexander Ball. “When I was in middle school, I had two friends who passed away from leukemia.”
Ball’s willingness to raise awareness was sparked from the loss of his fifth grade best friend, Craig. Their friendship began while both of their families lived in Singapore, but when Craig moved back to his home state of Texas one year later, he was diagnosed with leukemia.
“We were close friends,” Ball said. “I was very upset when I received the news.”
Two years later, his friend passed from the disease. Since then Ball has been inspired to participate in cancer awareness and fundraising events.
“When he passed away, my life was turned upside down,” Ball said. “My experiences have made me want to participate in No-Shave November.”
Trend with a cause
No-Shave November, a web-based, nonprofit organization, began the trend of a shave-less month for cancer awareness. They partnered with the American Cancer Society in 2013 to raise funds through donations and ensure that the funds raised would be used in all areas of fighting cancer: research, prevention, education and continuing care. Their online statement concludes with, “With every whisker grown and dollar raised, No-Shave November celebrates the hair that many cancer patients lose and gets one step closer to eradicating the disease.”
The No-Shave November site mentions several other ways to be an active participant. Their website posts flyers, brochures and team donation options.
A mustache approach
Although most have the intention of participating in the shaving protest, some find it more difficult than others because of their inability to sprout a worthy beard.
“My sideburns are growing pretty well,” Ball said. “I just wish that I could grow a full beard.”
But for those who cannot grow full beards, there is an alternative: Movember. Compared to No-Shave November this is an opportunity in November for men to grow mustaches to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer and promote men’s mental health. The Movember Foundation, an international nonprofit organization, is using mustaches to spark conversation as well as raise funds for its men’s health programs.
According to the foundation, $559 million has been raised and used to fund more than 800 programs in 21 countries. The foundation works to establish a period focused on men supporting other men, similar to how women work to raise awareness and support of each other during breast cancer awareness month in October.
With various outlets to make a change and be active in educating about the harms of cancer, awareness is a goal for Elon students.
Elon organizations such as Colleges Against Cancer and Elonthon work to educate students on the harmful effects of cancer and the various ways students can be involved. Elon sponsors events similar to No-Shave November such as Relay For Life and Dance Marathon to expose students to cancer’s effects.
Through these organizations, students can be educated and be a part of a group dedicated toward eliminating cancer. But for the remainder of November, communication between students is the best way to raise awareness and educate others about the hairy month.
“Although people may forget what it started off as, there will come a time where somebody will ask how it all began and learn the true origins,” Buppert said.