While some people may think of Thanksgiving when they hear the word November, other peoples’ minds go straight to No Shave November or “Movember.” These two fundraisers are when guys and girls don’t shave for the whole month of November. Both events have a slight difference between them. Movember branched off of No Shave November, mainly focusing on mustaches.

Though many are not participating this month, the meaning behind No Shave November and Movember hold a respected mind set for many people.

“I am not participating in no shave November,” sophomore Sydney Kleiner said, “but I feel it’s a good way to raise awareness for male cancers.”

The underrated attention many cancers gets is quite shocking. While illnesses such as breast cancer or leukemia get all the buzz, the ones without as much public attention are given recognition this month.

“I feel like No Shave November is a good thing,” junior Ashley Michol said, “because everyone raises awareness for breast cancer but not cancers for guys.”

In 2004, a group of men in Australia started Movember as an annual event to focus on men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, Since then, the event has grown in popularity, with the hair growth signifying the hair loss that cancer patients go through.

In 2013, No Shave November teamed up with the American Cancer Society to make sure money raised was given for research, prevention, education and continuing treatment.

“I never knew it was for cancer for guys,” sophomore Joshua Bono said, “but now that I do, I feel better about participating.”

The whole concept of these organizations is to raise awareness for mens’ wellness. Most guys who participate are in it for the fun, others do it because there is more meaning to it for them. Senior Marc Gului has an uncle who had prostate cancer. His dad and he are participating in No Shave November this year in support of his uncle.

For students who don’t want to participate in No Shave November or Movember, there is another way to raise awareness. Students can run in the Mustache Dash, which is a mustached-themed 5K in Detroit. Many throughout Michigan have participated in the race, including teacher Mark Moehlig.

“It went really well,” Moehlig said. “The race was a lot of fun with tons of people there and a lot to do after the race.”

No Shave November and Movember inspire those who have witnessed or are battling any type of cancer, sending a positive message to everyone who needs it. Moehlig plans to get a physical and encourages everyone and their friends to get one, as well.

“It is for sure a good way to raise awareness because men traditional think they’re tough and don’t have to go to the doctors,” Moehlig said, “when really we’re all scared and need to get ourselves checked out.”