Throughout the month of November men and women put down their razors in an effort to raise awareness for cancer and the patients who often lose their hair during the battle. Money is collected through an organization known as No-Shave November, which as the title suggests begins annually on Nov. 1.

“I have been doing No-Shave November for about 10 years.” Powderpuff coach Scott Lynch said. “It started when a change in my workplace at Ford Motor Company allowed us to wear business casual everyday. I felt like we were in more of a relaxed, flexible environment and I have gone with it every fall since then.”

For some, no-shave November has been an ongoing tradition with no end in sight. It was officially created in the fall of 2009, when the members of the Chicagoland Hill family decided to use it as a way to raise money for charity. This project has a special meaning to the eight Hill children after Matthew Hill, their father, passed away from colon cancer in 2007.

“Our goal is to keep raising money for cancer prevention, education, and research and to let that hair grow in the process,” the Chicagoland Hill family stated on the organization’s website. “We want every participant to embrace their hair for the many cancer patients that lose theirs due to vigorous treatments.”

To help accomplish this, there are limited edition t-shirts available for purchase on their website with the proceeds going to benefit the cause.The spirit of the month also brings out the competitive side in people, whether they’re growing a handlebar mustache or a neck beard.

“This will be my first time participating.” senior Brandon Bossenberger said. “My friends and I are all just going to try to do it and see who can get the longest beard.”

The organization founded by the Chicagoland Hill family has raised over 2 million dollars to date and counting. If you are interested in donating you can visit their website. Or take on the challenge anytime and register here.