In 2014, William (Bill) Dairman lost his battle with prostate cancer. Though more men die with prostate cancer than from prostate cancer, my dad wasn’t so fortunate. Despite the fact that prostate cancer has an almost 100% survival rate if caught early enough, it is the #2 largest cause of cancer deaths in men. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 9 men. Earlier this year I thought I might be one of them, but thankfully my biopsy came back negative.
My dad was a great guy and wonderful human being. He taught me the value of hard work and kindness in everything I do. I learned that making friends was more important than making money. So every November I honor my dad by growing a beard to raise awareness and money to end prostate cancer. My fellow Suffolk and Hampton, VA foot doctors at 1Foot 2Foot show their support by doing the same. The facial hair represents growth and health where so many suffering with cancer lose their hair.
Now there’s some confusion about “Movember” and “No Shave November.” Movember began in Australia in 2003 to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancers. No-Shave November came about in 2009 on Facebook and in 2013 patterned with the American Cancer Society to raise money for all men’s health issues. Either way, it’s a great cause. We’re calling is NovemFUR.
1Foot 2Foot, through our Be A Goody2Shoes program, will donate $1 for every billable visit in the month of NovemFUR. Money will be donated to Zero the End of Prostate Cancer’s Grow and Give campaign. If you would like to support this cause, please go directly to our team donation page at https://support.zerocancer.org/site/TR/GrowandGive/GrowAndGive?team_id=5544&pg=team&fr_id=1760.
-Dr. Matthew Dairman
