What once used to be a beautifully hairy way to spread awareness has now dwindled down to forgotten stubble.
Those who are unaware of “No Shave November” are probably confused when November comes around each year and are unable to make sense of the increased number of mustaches, even though there’s been a decline lately.
“No Shave November” is a charitable organization that asks men of all ages to grow out a mustache for the month of November in the hopes of spreading cancer awareness, particularly concerning men’s health.
The movement was founded in 2003 and managed by an organization called the Movember Foundation. Its website states that, “Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends face a health crisis that isn’t being talked about. Men are dying too young. We can’t afford to stay silent.”
A bold statement from a bold movement that it’s main goal is to reduce the number of premature male deaths by 25 percent in the next 14 years. Part of that is raising awareness.
The Movember Foundation is doing a rare thing with its charity work; it doesn’t ask outright for people to donate as simple awareness has become the currency of understanding and sympathy.
Instead of buying an expensive shirt or brandishing some other article of clothing, “Movember” gives everyone around the world the opportunity to share in raising awareness for free.
The website does, however, collect donations and uses the money to fund projects focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical activity.
“Movember” used to be exceptionally trendy among middle-aged men, however, popularity has dwindled in recent years, leading to less and less mustaches each “Movember.” And less mustaches means less cancer awareness.
As hilarious as it is to see a wide array of mustaches all month long, the charity is no laughing matter.
By making the movement something that every man has dreamed about doing, namely growing out a cool Tom Selleck-like ‘stache, the charity has managed to raise over $700 million for multiple charities over the past 13 years.
In 2012, the organization raised $42.4 million, but just three years later, the organization only managed to raise $12.9 million.
The “Movember” trend has suffered a substantial and sequential decline since 2012 as the organization sees less money and less members each year.
Any organization against cancer is a godsend and ones that reach younger demographics for the price of nothing is truly amazing. It’s heart-wrenching to see that this charity is losing popularity.
Cancer is terrifyingly unforgiving, affecting 39.6 percent of both men and women at some point in their lifetime. It continues to be the leading cause of death in the world so spreading awareness among those who otherwise would be ignorant to these problems is integral in leading the way to finding a cure.
The hard truth is that nearly everyone knows someone who was affected by cancer. And for the sake of those who have it, it’s important to spread awareness, even if it just means growing a silly mustache for a month.
Please keep in mind that a mustache isn’t a membership fee. Women can also become honorary “No Shave November” members as well.
Just because your ‘stache doesn’t look as cool as Jeff Bridges’ doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it. But please, when Dec. 1 comes around, make sure your unkempt mustache is gone.
If we do not spread awareness about multiple cancers that affect everyone’s lives, then people will forget how treacherous they are and will not donate.
Less money means less research done to cure these diseases, and without a cure, people will continue to lose their lives.
So do the right thing, and let that pretty face be covered with as much facial hair as your body allows and spread awareness for a cause that truly is asking for nothing.