This is a good month to grow some hair.
November kicks off an international campaign to encourage men to stay healthy. The campaign known as Movember is a movement to raise awareness around prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention in men. Globally, more than 1.4 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. The Movember Foundation, the organization responsible for starting Movember, is working to halve the number of deaths from prostate cancer by 2030 and has already garnered nearly six million supporters and helped fund over 1,250 innovative men’s health projects across 20 countries.
That is where the hair comes in.
The idea is that men grow mustaches and get people to sponsor them to raise money for these health programs. One such group of men – and mustaches – is called Cougar Staches. Established in 2012, Cougar Staches is a group of CofC faculty, staff and others who have raised over $9,000 for the Movember Foundation.
Cougar Staches captain Brandon Lewter says he initially got involved in the campaign 10 years ago to honor his best friend of his who passed away from cancer at the age of 25. Now, with two sons of his own, he has even more interest in the future of men’s health.
“I participate in Movember to honor the memory of my late best friend, but also because it’s a fun way to raise awareness and funds for a very important cause: men’s health,” says the access service coordinator in Addlestone Library. “Research and advances aimed at improving men’s health only stand to benefit the males in my life, including my sons as they grow up.”
RELATED: Read what Lewter had to say about Movember back in 2015.
The members of the Cougar Staches have a modest goal of $1,500 this year, and there’s still time to join them in their efforts – even if you are follicly challenged.
“You do not have to be a guy to participate: You can be what they call Mo Sistas,” says Lewter, adding that you can also participate by pledging to walk or run 60 miles throughout the month of November.
To join or participate in the Cougar Staches, visit their website.
Last updated: Nov. 9, 2021
