Let It Grow!
December 10, 2016
No Shave November may seem like a mere excuse to shirk personal hygiene responsibilities. However, there lies a greater purpose behind the month that many students may not know about.
The goal of No Shave November is to spread awareness about cancer and men’s health issues by embracing one’s hair, something most cancer patients lose due to chemotherapy or sickness. Participants can then donate money that they would usually spend on shaving and grooming to direct cancer organizations in order to educate themselves and others about cancer prevention. Alternatively, participants can donate to organizations that provide medicine or treatment to aid cancer patients.
Though No Shave November is dedicated to awareness about men’s health in general, the movement is mostly directed to bringing attention to the screening, preventions, and diagnosis of prostate cancer, the second most pervasive cause of death in American men. Cancer patients face many challenges while they are fighting for their lives, including that of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy divides cells, resulting in hair loss, thus the corresponding directive of the month.
One can participate by skipping a waxing appointment, letting one’s mustache grow out, or not shaving one’s legs. No Shave November has grown so popular that several Ridge students often participate too. Kaivu Hariharan ‘20 states that, “No Shave November is a great way to bring attention to an issue that is ordinarily not brought to light.” The initiative is a great conversation-starter for important yet often neglected conversations.
Alyssa Lin ‘19 explains it as “a fun and light hearted way for friends to support a worthwhile cause.”
Teachers, staff, and even principal Mr. Howlett, also take part in this event. Mr. Howlett says that he is “participating to show unity and to make people more aware… to raise more money for research, awareness and not shaving!”
Cancer is a disease that can strike at any time, and when it does, people must grow stronger than they ever thought they would have to be. As fortunate as students at Ridge may be, cancer can affect anyone, regardless of who they are. Students can start helping out those who need it the most by incorporating a sense of unity throughout the school by taking part in No Shave November and donating to cancer prevention.
Growing one’s hair out can support students, teachers, parents, and others who are affected by cancer. Because cancer strikes so many people every year, others must work together to aid those they care about. Why not start next year by spreading the word about No Shave November in your own school or town to help out those around you?
Kavya • Dec 20, 2016 at 3:10 pm
Great article!!! This is really interesting, keep up the good work!
Monica Schell • Dec 20, 2016 at 3:06 pm
This is very insightful, i never knew no shave november had a deeper meaning
Kathy Wei • Dec 20, 2016 at 2:34 pm
I didn’t know that their was such a significant meaning behind No Shave November! I think now that its a really good cause and demonstrates the problem of cancer
lydiachwatek • Dec 20, 2016 at 2:18 pm
I think it would be great. Its a great promotion for awareness.
Elaine Shen • Dec 20, 2016 at 2:10 pm
Wow. I never knew the significance behind No Shave November. Interesting.
Anina ku • Dec 20, 2016 at 2:09 pm
Great article. I never knew no shave november had this background! I agree with alyssa; this is definitely a great way to raise awareness.
catherine olsen • Dec 20, 2016 at 2:07 pm
I think people should do whatever they want!
Justus Smith • Dec 20, 2016 at 2:02 pm
No-Shave November is alright in my view, but it seems that mot people deem it unworthy, and brush it off as a fad. Thanks for showing this.
Vanshika Bhatia • Dec 20, 2016 at 12:42 pm
Wow I didn’t know know why no shave November was a thing! This is really interesting !!
eric kim • Dec 20, 2016 at 12:39 pm
i completely agree with no shave november to help with the awareness of cancer. Also i believe that cancer is a huge problem in todays society and people should be more aware about the problems that are occured from it.
Alexandra Kattas • Dec 20, 2016 at 12:05 pm
My Honors Global History teacher Mr. Norris participated in this trend, but I never knew it had a deeper meaning then just men growing out their facial hair. It’s interesting.
Arianna Minassian • Dec 20, 2016 at 11:29 am
I completely agree that No Shave November is a worthwhile cause. Alyssa is very right when she says that it is a fun and lighthearted way to support a good cause, as it lightens the heavy topic of what it is truly about. Many people lost sight of what No Shave November is really about but it’s important to remember the motive behind the fun.
Emma Buron • Dec 20, 2016 at 11:28 am
I found this article very interesting and happy it brought awareness to a serious issue, cancer.
Kush Amin • Dec 20, 2016 at 11:12 am
This is very interesting, I always thought no-shave November is just a fad. I think it’s important that we help support cancer patients through their struggles.
Kush Amin • Dec 20, 2016 at 11:11 am
This is very interesting, I always though no-shave November is just a fad.
Rebecca schenkman • Dec 20, 2016 at 11:08 am
I completely agree that men’s rights should be given more attention in that prostate cancer should be given just as much attention as breast cancer.
Sheina Patel • Dec 20, 2016 at 11:08 am
this article was very insightful. Cancer is a verys serious topic and need more awareness, and unity is very important. i think its a good idea.