I don’t usually share too personal of information on this blog – especially when it pertains to my medical history, but I am going to make an exception in this post.  When I was 15, I had an experience of ill-health that scared me.

I developed a prostate infection which did not respond initially to medication.  Prostate problems in a teenage male are not a very common occurrence.  When the prostate infection did not go away using the standard regiment of prescription medication, my family doctor recommended that I see a specialist to make sure that “something else wasn’t going on”.  I don’t remember the word cancer being used, but even as a 15 year old that possibility crossed my mind.  Luckily it was not cancer and I have not had a problem  since the infection responded to a stronger medication.

I recently stumbled across a website for a foundation called Movember who’s goal is to raise awareness and funds for research to find cures for cancers affecting men, such as prostate cancer.  It struck a chord with me and I immediately began looking more closely at the website to see how I could help.  I found that it is extremely easy (and pretty hilarious in my opinion)!  All I have to do is grow a moustache (a mo’) in the month of November (Movember) and ask family and friends to support my ‘stache by giving financial donations.  I took it a step further and have organized a team of coworkers to see how much we can raise as well as have a bit of a competition.  I am hoping that sporting facial hair that is different than what I normally have will spark conversation and give me opportunities to talk about the importance of cancer research.

My wife is not thrilled about me sporting a moustache for a full 30 days, but I think she is on-board because of the reason for it.  Movember supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG (the Lance Armstrong foundation which provides various types of support for cancer patients and survivors).

If you’d be interested in donating to the cause simply go to http://mobro.co/NateDungan and click on the Donate to Me button under my picture.  It will take you to a page where you can securely enter your credit card information.  Or if you’d prefer you can write a check payable to “Movember Foundation”, reference my name and Registration Number 1396968 and send it to: Movember Foundation, PO Box 2726, Venice, CA 90294-2726.

Men – Education yourselves on the health problems which are specific to our gender and go to the doctor at the first sign of a problem.

Women – Studies show that men are 24% less likely to go to a doctor than a woman, so make the men in your life go to the doctor when they mention something which could indicate a problem.