This November, men around the US are putting down their razors to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer. Through the grassroots campaign led by ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer, average Joe’s, police officers, and businessmen alike are bearding up for their fellow men. ZERO will officially kick off the fourth annual Grow & Give campaign on November 1.
Grow & Give challenges men to avoid shaving for 30 days and fundraise to help fight prostate cancer. Proceeds from the campaign benefit the ZERO360: Comprehensive Patient Support program, which provides free, one-on-one case management services to prostate cancer patients. ZERO360 helps patients navigate their insurance claims, find additional financial assistance to help cover treatment costs, and receive emotional support.
“We want all men to know their risk for prostate cancer. The Grow & Give campaign advances that mission, while also providing support for patients currently facing the disease,” says Jamie Bearse, President of ZERO. “We lose a man to prostate cancer every 20 minutes – that’s more than 2,000 men in November alone. The least we can do is grow a beard or mustache.”
While the giving occurs online, the growing happens locally from Maryland police departments competing for bragging rights, to California realtors looking to give back to their community. Other companies are leveraging the campaign for interoffice competition through ZERO’s corporate social responsibility initiative designed to educate and motivate teams to make an impact outside of the workplace.
Across the U.S., businesses large and small are stepping up: spreading the word to their employees and customers, donating products for the campaign, and supporting financially through revenue shares or donations. ZERO is teaming up with a group of ‘stache sponsors to help raise awareness. On the facial hair front, Wahl Grooming and Battle Born Grooming have provided product for top follicle fundraisers. Mustache Vineyards, Traveler Beer Company, and Zinburger will showcase mustache-themed beverages throughout the month. Several industry partners have pledged teams as well, including Genomic Health, Sanguine Bio, and Ambry Genetics. Additional partners include: Private Holdings, and Outcome Health.
