By Dennis Tran
No-Shave November is a month-long campaign sponsored by a non-profit web group to show support for cancer patients and raise awareness of the deadly disease.
When the no-shavenovember.com campaign began in November of 2009, there were only less than 50 participants. Today, the cause has been made aware to thousands of people across the globe as the fight for cancer continues.
“I know many people who aren’t shaving, and I really commend them for it,” says Amelia Ooi (‘15). Ooi has also known family members who have cancer.
Cancer is responsible for more than 500,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone.The concept behind not shaving for the entire month is to allow one’s hair to grow as free as it may because a large number of cancer patients lack this ability.
Although No-Shave November is commonly thought of as being only for men, many women also restrain from shaving to show their support. “My cousin decided not to shave her legs. I think it’s pretty cool of her,” stated Brandon Lynch (‘14).
Not everybody participates in No-Shave November, but the web-based organization is continuously attempting to educate more people about their cause.
Because the participants are mostly males, it is usually believed that the goal is only to raise awareness for prostate cancer. Although that is the main focus, No-Shave November strives to show support for all cancer patients.
