Movember: Awareness of Men’s Health

The Courageous Movement Comes to Campus This November 6, 2009

By CHARLIE PHILLIPS

Originating in 2003, the concept of Movember began in Melbourne, Australia to raise awareness of prostate cancer. “It is a month long celebration of men’s health, specially prostrate and testicular cancer,” said Mike Polan, senior. “By raising money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Prostrate Cancer Foundation.”

Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity brought Movember, a term referring to the Australian word for moustache coupled with the month of November, to campus on Nov. 2 in the Perper Plaza. Students shaved their faces to show awareness of this noteworthy cause. Thereafter, participants must grow out their moustaches until Dec. 10, when they are finally encouraged to shave a design into their overgrowth.

The men who participate in Movember are known as Mo Bro’s, while the women are known as Mo Sistas. A man’s Mo is just as much of a symbol as the red ribbon for AIDS/HIV awareness, the orange ribbon for leukemia and the pink for breast cancer because it symbolizes the fight against prostate cancer.

“Movember is a month for all men to take a stand about cancer. By growing a moustache we show those men who are fighting, that they are not alone,” said Jesse Kopp, junior.

At the end of the month, a huge and elegant gala will be held where the Mo Bro’s dress in accordance to their Mo designs. For example, some may dress as Tom Selleck or even as Ghandi depending on their shave job. All those who participate are ultimately competing to win the prize: Man of Movember. Anyone can participate.

The money that was raised will be donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

For more information about Movember or interested in participating, contact Mike Polan at 914-584-8182 or MPolan@email.lynn.edu; or Charlie Phillips at 239-331-0193 or moodlemn@yahoo.com.