Movember is back for Lucky year # 15. Loren, Don, and myself have formed the team “Bruce, Larry, and Don Grow the Mo” and we are excited for the month of hairiness ahead. This year’s stache is named……... The T-Bar! Coming up with new and fresh designs is tough, but this year Loren and I will be sporting the T-Bar to show our love for skiing anywhere and anytime we can. Don is sporting a next level stache that is a cross between the Pringles man and Rollie Fingers. He is able to grow a mustache that I can only dream of, and I am happy he is around for the campaign. There is a lot of ground to cover in the introductory email as 2024 is unique and fantastic for a variety of reasons. We always appreciate donations, but this year we would like to focus on asking all of you to put your money where your mouth is and take a more active role in helping the men in your life. If you are over 45 and have not gotten a colonoscopy, get one ASAP. At a very minimum, I promise it will be the best 15-minute nap you will ever have! Early detection of cancer and mental health issues is an important step in getting ahead of these life changing issues before they get ahead of you.
Reason #1
Last December I got a call from Loren telling me he had learned from his recent colonoscopy that the doctors had found colorectal cancer. It was a tough conversation to have, as we had just finished our first Movember Campaign last year together. He would have to begin his journey to fight for his life.
I am always in awe and admiration of anyone that has to go through physical and/or mental adversity. Where do they summon the strength from? How do they stay positive and keep pushing forward and focusing on the outcome, while not getting caught up in the minutia? How do they deal with treatments that wreak havoc on their bodies and minds? I believe the answer may come from the inner strength these individuals possess, the amazing support system of family and friends, and the brilliant doctors/researchers that are working hard to further the science that will one day make cancer a thing of the past.
After an aggressive treatment of radiation and chemotherapy I am relieved to share that on August 30, 2024 Loren received a clean bill of health and is on the road back to living his amazing life, His strength, positive attitude, choice of an aggressive treatment path, amazing family, and the fact that he is just fucking awesome is what got him through. Loren, I am eternally grateful for your friendship and happy for you and your family. You are genuinely some of the best people I know and I feel grateful to have the whole Mintz clan in my life. This year’s Mo is for you, my friend!
Reason #2
I have always touched on the mental health awareness aspect of this campaign, but I would like to keep this topic front and center because this affects many more men than anyone thinks. Mental health issues are real and we all need to be there for each other. Depression, anxiety, and suicide are more prevalent than ever in today world and the men in your life need your support even if they may be too stubborn to ask for it. If you see something is off with a family member or a friend, SAY/DO SOMETHING before it is too late. We are all in this boat together and we need to take care of and support the people that are important to us.
Reason #3
Last year we hit a milestone of raising $100,000 over the past 15-year journey of Movember. That is a lot of money that has gone to fund research, offer mental health support services, and raise awareness so men know when to go get tested and to be on the lookout for physical and mental symptoms. Early detection is paramount. Based on our collective effort I have been inducted into the Movember Hall of Fame which means I can grow a mustache any damn time I want to! I am proud of myself and all of you that have been on this journey with me through proposing physical (double up) challenges to making off color mustache jokes. I love this month, and all of you jumping in with both feet and supporting anyway you can is why it has been a huge success.
The goal this year is $20,000. Your contribution will help someone fight their battle, raise awareness, and provide support systems to men with mental illness. Your contribution makes a difference.
Part of the reason the Movember campaign is successful is because people see the mustache and ask questions about why I am growing such a distinguished friend on my face. The mustache is a great conversation starter and gives me an opportunity to talk about the importance of men getting regular checkups, seeking help if they need someone to talk to, and doing things they need to do on a daily basis to stay healthy. I am growing the Stache in honor of Eli, Marcie, Dad, Jeff, Chad, Papa Jerry, Harold, Bryan, J, Uncle Sam, Brian, Loren, and everyone else who has been affected by cancer and mental illness.

Happy Movember to Everyone and LFG
Aaron “T-Bar” Shefren