PORTSMOUTH — Things are starting to get a bit hairy for some area firefighters while they put down their razors and raise funds and awareness for men's health during "Movember."
Starting with a clean shaven face on the first of the month, participants grow their mustaches for the entirety of November. Last year, Movember raised $80.7 million globally. The funds were raised in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The majority of the funds are committed to programs supporting prostate cancer and other cancers affecting men for the research and support of affected individuals. The Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG both received funds last year.
More than a million people have participated with campaigns worldwide and the number continues to grow.
Local group, Portsmouth Fire, already raised more than $500 toward the cause and intends to continue to raise funds throughout the month. The crew of 15 expects to grow in size, and team captain Russell Osgood said he hopes more of the department gets involved soon.
"We're all guys and thought this would be whimsical thing to do," he said.
The department sees a few members affected by cancer and they have focused mainly on raising funds for fellow firefighter Sarah Fox, who struggled with breast cancer. Now, the group is hoping to address men's health issues.
"We have a higher chance of getting cancer," Osgood said of firefighters.
He said many often forego going to the doctor and thus raise their risk of going without help for health issues.
Firefighter Sam Chouinard said he shaved his own bushy mustache on the first of the month to join in on the event. For the last 17 years, he has only shaved it all once, and he said this time, it was for a good cause.
Joking it feels weird not to have his signature 'stache, he said he doesn't think he'll have any problem growing it back in a month's time.
"We've had some recent retirees who have been affected by cancer," said firefighter Mark Herrholz.
He said he and his fellow "Mo Bros" have been quick to raise funds and expect to bring in a much higher number by the end of the month.
Those who wish to donate to the Portsmouth Fire group can do so by searching for the group on www.movember.com.
John Huff/Staff photographer Portsmouth Firefighters Jim O'Brien, Dover firefighter Mickey Drouin, Brian Wade, Mark Herrholz, Sam Chouinard, Brian Ryll, John Goodwin, Eric West, Russ Osgood, Dunkin Regonini, Chris Chenoweth, from left, shaved for the last time as firefighters throughout the area vowed not to shave for the month of November to raise awareness and funds for men's health.
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