This year, around six hundred thousand people will die from cancer. The survival rate of cancer is dropping as the numbers of diagnosed are only increasing. It’s getting worse.

So what is the easiest way that any random person off the streets can help? Simply grow a beard.

Cancer deaths may seem like an event only confined to hospitals, but that’s a lie. We are affected by them. It’s difficult to ignore a friend missing. It’s difficult to miss another empty desk in the middle of a packed room. It is going to keep happening and happening, because everyday normal people, who may seem healthy on the surface, could unexpectedly pass away.

“If you look back through the recent years, we lost a lot of kids to cancer,” said science teacher Jenifer Secrist, a founder of WHSDM (West High School Dance Marathon). “[The names] just continue up to this weekend, when [another] was taken from us.”

Cancer awareness has been on the national level since the 2000s, but the cancer movement only began at West High four years ago, with the founding of the organization. Since then, WHSDM has raised over two hundred thirty thousand dollars in cancer donations.

However, Dance Marathon isn’t for everyone.

“[A lot of the male teachers] won’t come and dance. But when teachers are willing to put themselves out there for cause, and kids see that, it can be fun.”

Therefore, No Shave November was started as an alternative method for people to get involved.

“I would tell [anyone] that it is for a good cause,” said math teacher Jon Bach. “[By participating,] it shows support to the community.”

Compared to other fundraising methods, No Shave November was something almost everyone can do.

“It’s easy not to shave,” said social studies teacher Mitch Gross. “and [the beard] doesn’t really bother me.”

Even to this year, No Shave November has still been be considered a success against cancer.

“What we really need to do is find a way for all the women to participate,” said social studies teacher Dominic Iannone.

It’s true that not everyone can grow a beard, but that isn’t the point. There is a great number of individuals who had cancer or have cancer. Oftentimes these people go through treatment, which could cause their hair to fall out.

No Shave November is a fundraising event. Yet, at the same time, it’s a chance to allow the community to show their support. It’s a reminder to enjoy the privileges of being able to grow facial hair, and to enjoy it for those who can’t.

“We continue to do these things,” said Secrist. “because these families are going through the worse time of their life. If they can see a community do something as simple as grow their beard, you know, you’re not in this alone. We’re in this together.”

disclaimer: the mustaches are fake.