WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Nov. 16, 2016 — West Liberty University Physician Assistant students in the Class of 2018 are participating in No-Shave November with its Let it Grow-and Join the Fight Against Cancer effort.
Jon-Michael Brunner, Brandon Bolduc, Daniel Burns, Chad Eckard and Ryan Killpack are the graduate students taking part in the no-shave fundraiser.
“The guys in our class decided to get involved in this effort and not shave for the whole month of November,” explained Brunner, who is from Wheeling. “The beard’s a bit itchy right now. But it’s kind of nice since I can get ready faster.”
Only one student, Eckard, who is from Greenville, Pa. had a bit of a head start since he already wore a beard.
“His beard is the biggest and best so far. I don’t really even like a beard myself but it’s for a good cause and I’m happy to help out in the fight against cancer,” said Brunner.
The money the WLU students raise will go toward the American Cancer Society, the Fight Colorectal Cancer, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Each day, 22,000 people die from cancer worldwide (WHO). Nearly half of cancer diagnoses and deaths are preventable, according to experts. No-Shave November’s mission is to not only raise funds for cancer research and treatment, but to educate everyone about preventative measures.
The goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow, according to no-shave.org. Then the money typically spent on shaving and grooming to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle.
“Every dollar raised brings us one step closer in our efforts to fund cancer research and education, help prevent the disease, and aid those fighting the battle! We expect to hit our donation goal or surpass it by the end of November!” Brunner added.
The students are posting updates each week to show beard-progress online. Donations also are accepted at this site. The overall goal is $500.
For more information on the Physician Assistant Studies master’s degree program at WLU, please call 304.336.5098, or contact Senior Administrative Secretary Tara Hardman at tara.hardman@westliberty.edu, or visit westliberty.edu/physician-assistant.