HAIR-RAISING MONEY AND AWARENESS

By KAITLYN METICHECCHIA 

Cancer affects the lives of not only the people suffering from it, but the people  around them as well. It extremely difficult to find someone who hasn't been affected in some way or another.  Although this can be a disheartening realization, there is hope; cancer is not always an unfightable battle. Organizations such No-Shave November, are taking action to raise awareness for and aid with the fight against prostate cancer.

KAITLYN METICHECCIA FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

According to the official No-Shave November webiste, “No-Shave November is a web-based, non-profit organization devoted to growing cancer awareness and raising funds to support cancer prevention, research, and education.”  

No-Shave November was originally started by eight children who lost their father from colon cancer. The family decided to turn their tradition of not shaving during the month of November into a way to raise money for charity.

During the month of November, participants go without shaving for thirty days.  Instead of spending money on hair-maintenance, people donate their money to cancer research and awareness.  Everyone is encouraged to take part in some way or another to support this important cause.

Co-advisor of the Wizards Against Cancer Club, Mrs. Lynch explained, “No-Shave November is so important because so much focus is placed on the month of October and breast cancer awareness.  Everything is pink.  We forget that men get cancer, too.  Men are always seen as tough and able to fight symptoms of illness.  This event raises consciousness about men's health issues.” 

Creating a page or joining a team are not the only ways to get involved.  Juniors, Anthony Santambrosio and Christopher Fioti, like many others, participate on their own.  Santambrosio shared, “I want to bring awareness to men’s cancer.  I personally have had relatives that have been affected by cancer.  My grandfather passed away from cancer after a long fight.  My other grandfather also passed away after a long fight.”  An important aspect of this event is to start a conversation and grow awareness.

This month, the Wizards Against Cancer Club is very active in supporting awareness of men's cancer.  Co-advisor of the Wizards Against Cancer Club, Mrs. Constable, mentioned, “We will be hosting a “blue out” on November 14 to promote awareness for men’s cancer as well as planning a a trivia competition towards the end of the month.   We would like people attend.”  

The Wizards Against Cancer Club will also be selling t-shirts and other merchandise during lunches.  They plan to hold different color-outs each month for students who would like to get involved.

Fioti, expressed, “To those of you suffering from cancer, don't give up.  There's still more that can be done.”  Cancer is something that affects so many different people, which is why it is so crucial to have hope and to keep fighting. Every day we get closer to the cure.  All students, teachers, and community members, are encouraged to take part in No-Shave November, as well as other events throughout the year to raise money and awareness. 

For anyone looking to participate in No-Shave November, there are many options for getting involved.  On the official website for No-Shave November, https://no-shave.org/, participants are able to create their own personal fundraising page or join a team.  Washingtonville students and teachers are encouraged to join the Wash-Stache-ingtonville Wizard's team, and help reach the goal of $2,500.  More information regarding this team can be found at https://no-shave.org/team/wizards.