‘TIS THE SEASON OF BEARDS

New York’s New Paltz police officers showed solidarity with this year’s ‘No Shave November’ with a higher purpose in mind. Letting their beards grow, these officers raised over $5,000 for the American Cancer Society. Eight officers participated in the event for the fourth consecutive year. One of the goals of ‘No Shave November’ is to increase public awareness about the fight against cancer, and these officers show us how it’s done right.

GOLD IN SEPTEMBER

There’s not much a determined woman can’t do. Frieda Grizzi-Zeidel, a Chicago resident, recently made a remarkable contribution towards the future of a healthy generation by urging the State Senator, John Mulroe, to declare the month of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Illinois. In an effort to spread awareness, Grizzi-Zeidel wants to turn buildings in downtown Chicago golden next September. By creating awareness, she hopes to witness a change in the number of childhood cancer cases.

CREATING AWARENESS IN STYLE

UK Commons leader Andrea Leadsom donned a pink tartan scarf at the despatch box in the House of Commons, to mark a campaign by Cancer Research UK. Leadsom was encouraged by John Lamont, MP and supporter of the campaign in his Scottish constituency. Lamont was in praise of the scarf which was designed by Lochcarron Scotland’s Selkirk Mill and the Selkirk committee of UK’s Cancer Research Institute. Lamont admired the novel cause behind the gesture and he was sure the campaign would raise a substantial amount of money towards cancer research.

CONQUERING MILES, CONQUERING LIFE

Running a half-marathon every month—sounds like a lot of work? Not for Dave Walton from the UK. What began as an ambitious new year’s resolution has carried itself to the year-end, where Walton now stands at £1,295, smashing his targeted £500 that will go towards cancer research. Although illnesses and injuries slowed him down a tad, Walton refused to give up, and successfully covered over 157 miles across the UK. The IT technician, who lost his grandfather and uncle to cancer, wanted to do something worthwhile for a cancer charity. “I feel delighted about the amount I’ve raised. It’s great that the money will go towards helping more people beat cancer,” he said.

A RIDE FOR LIFE

Jarul Vora, a 31-year-old practicing advocate from Vadodara, took off on a bicycle ride from Delhi’s India Gate to the Gateway of India at Mumbai, with a mission to raise awareness about breast cancer and early detection. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, but thanks to early detection, she came out fully well a year after treatment. This life incident inspired Jarul to cycle for a cause dear to her. She will spread awareness by interacting with people en route. Jarul has undergone rigorous strength training and multiple 100km rides to prepare for her demanding bike ride.