We all know it's November... but for some, it's 'No Shave November' or 'Movember.'
This month, guys across the nation are growing beards and mustaches in support and awareness of prostate cancer and men's health.
"I've actually done it since my eighth grade year of high school," said Derek Meisel.
Meisel is a freshman at Shenandoah University. He grows out his facial hair every November to raise awareness for men's health, especially prostate cancer. His great-uncle passed away from it.
'No Shave November:' Men growing out their facial hair in support of men's health issues.
'Movember:' Men growing mustaches in support of men's health issues.
"It really affected our family. He was really close to me personally and my immediate family. And he struggled through it a lot and it just got to the point where he couldn't take it anymore and he knew it was going to happen," said Meisel.
Meisel says this month, he's participating in his uncle's memory and is taking a stand against men's cancers. And he's not alone.
"To support the prostate cancer and the awareness of it, it really brings it out and some people don't know that. It's really cool to be able to show in a way... we're like a walking billboard," said SU junior, Nick Ruxton.
"That's really important to raise awareness for people who might not know that people are sick and have prostate cancer which is very serious," said SU freshman, David Beaudoin.
Ruxton and Beaudoin are both growing out their beards for 'No Shave November.' Some of these guys said at first, they didn't realize what 'No Shave November' was. They just liked the idea of not shaving; but now, it means a lot to them.
"It's truly inspiring to me. I love doing community service and things like that. And to be a walking billboard and be able to express men's health visually rather than holding posters and things like that," said SU junior, Joshua McCauley. "It really means a lot to me and actually gives me more of an incentive to keep growing my beard."
"Keep everyone who is plagued with cancer and any men diseases, keep them going and keep their hope up to hopefully find a cure someday," said Meisel.
The official 'Movember' organization has raised nearly $300 million across the world.
To get involved and support their goal of changing the face of men's health, visit the official 'Movember' website.
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