You may notice something different about city of Akron employees this month. Mayor Dan Horrigan is inviting city employees and Akron residents to participate in “No-Shave November” to increase cancer awareness, particularly surrounding male cancers. In doing so, city employees, including members of the Akron Police Division, are permitted and encouraged to grow neatly trimmed beards through the end of the month.
“We have lost too many good people in this community too soon from cancer. It is vitally important for all of us to recognize the signs and symptoms of cancer, to get regular screenings, and to encourage our friends and family to do th
e same,” Horrigan said of the No-Shave campaign.
The goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow “wild and free.” Participants are encouraged to consider donating the money they typically spend on shaving and grooming to educate others about cancer prevention and to aid those fighting the battle.
Members of the Akron Police Division participating in the campaign will be wearing buttons to alert the public of this temporary and meaningful exception to the normal requirement of a clean-shaven appearance, and to help spread the word about the importance of cancer prevention and research. And while city employees may be sporting new facial hair this month, citizens should expect the same level of excellent service and professionalism from city staff.
The city urges residents to visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org to learn about the symptoms of cancer, ways to stay healthy and how to join the fight. Feel free to share your before and after pictures and spread awareness using the hashtag #NoShaveAkron.
In order to increase awareness and help fight cancer in our community the city of Akron invites you to “Let it Grow!”
