As everyone knows, I have a real aversion to all things shaving! I’ve kept varying lengths of a beard for the better part of decade and the last time I shaved clean was April 2013. So in honor of No-Shave November, I will be growing my beard to it’s full potential utilizing the fantastic products of Mountaineer Brand as always. However, my intent to #LetItGrow this November (as always) will be taking on a special meaning for me. I’m growing my beard for the official No-Shave November charity in support of finding a cure for colon cancer. If I reach my fundraising goal of $1,000, I will shave my beard completely on December 1st!
I know it sounds shocking (it is!) and many have asked me, why would you do this now? You’ve grown a beard for many years and have supported multiple charities every year so what’s changed?
The answer is simple. I am ready to support a cause that has been too painful for me to even look at because it hits too close to home.
My Father lost his battle with colon cancer July 20th, 2007 and I held his hand while he took his final breaths.
His death has fundamentally changed me in ways that I would not even be aware of until many years later. He was more than just an awesome father, he was a middle school teacher, basketball coach (and fanatic!) and influenced thousands of students within our community during his life. It’s no secret that he did not always take care of himself which manifested itself in the worst way possible, not getting routine colonoscopies. His death was 100% preventable which angered me greatly as a teenager. If only he would have gotten screened, he would likely still be alive and well today. At the time, it was difficult for me to accept but I made sure to let him know that I loved him and that I would make him proud of me as I left childhood behind and entered adulthood without him.
As I write this, I’m still finding it difficult to express my thoughts even after almost a decade. It was by far the most difficult thing I’ve gone through in my life but I would not be the man that I am today without his guidance and wisdom. He always pushed me to strive for excellence and to be kind to everyone and I am incredibly sad that he will never get to meet my future wife, hold our children or hangout with my in laws whom he would absolutely adore to their love of sports and craft beer!
I will be articulating further thoughts on my father, cancer and what all of us can do to help put an end to colorectal cancer. In addition to raising funds for my No-Shave November initiative, I am running a month long giveaway contest for a $25 Gift Card for Mountaineer Brand which has amazing beard and skin care products for men, a Starter Pack for Heroes of the Storm including multiple heroes, an exclusive mount and the bad ass Ronin Zeratul skin in addition to 5 random premium Steam keys! Check out the giveaway below:
No Shave November Giveaway!