Lincoln-Way North Faculty, Staff Raise Money, Awareness for Prostate Cancer

A group of teachers and staff set their razors aside for one month to raise awareness about prostate cancer.

They joined a nationwide effort called “Movember,” letting their facial hair grow into the most intriguing and fun moustaches the month of November, which happens to be prostate awareness month.

“The moustache’s purpose was to bring attention and awareness to prostate cancer,” said Lincoln-Way North social science teacher Jeff Tarala, who led the effort after hearing about Movember through a friend.

“It sounded like a fun idea,” he added. “It got me thinking about other fundraising campaigns, such as Volley for the Cure and Strides: Lions Walk for Diabetes, and how they have generated awareness about breast cancer and diabetes.

“I then read that prostate cancer is diagnosed in an estimated 80 percent of men who reach age 80,” he added. “So I decided, why not bring awareness to prostate cancer.”

Twelve staff members joined Tarala in the Movember effort. They included teachers Joe Infantino, Mitch Nowicki, Ed LeFevour, Brendan McHugh, Kevin McCleish, Matt Jordan, Pat Leonard, Matt Lawrence, Henry Timm, Tim Harrah and Jack Young, as well as maintenance man Rich Hegeduis. 

The group raised $2,340 through a website established by the Movember Foundation. The top three earners were Joe Infantino with $634, Jeff Tarala with $311 and Ed LeFevour with $281.

“We hope to raise more money in future Movember campaigns,” said Tarala. 

“I think bringing awareness to prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men is important,” he added.