The Movember Foundation is the global charity that advocates for men, raising funds and awareness to stop men dying too young. Since 2003, over 5 million men and women have joined this global men’s health movement. These volunteers have helped raise $769 million, funding 1,200 innovative men’s health projects across 21 countries.
MEAN Beard Ambassador, Jeremy Sharp is one of the most active Movember Mo Bros you will meet. He believes that this movement has incredible power, and has taken on the role as a change agent on its behalf. Jeremy took ownership of his own health and isn’t afraid to have an honest conversation about men’s health with those who will listen. Every year Jeremy becomes a walking talking billboard for the Movember Foundation to help them reach their goal, to stop men dying too young.
Jeremy Sharp, MEAN BEARD sponsored Ambassador & Movember Mo Bro.
In 2011, Jeremy, along with a few friends and family members shaved clean on November 1st, and began their 30-day mustache journey. This dozen or so virgin Mo Bros called themselves “The Tri State Staches,” and their mustaches were not good. In fact, most of them had never grown a flavor savor before. They grew in thin, red, blonde, and the opposite of sexy. As feeble as their ‘staches were, team members living in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky stayed true to their word, grew their Mos for 30 days and raised $560 for Movember.
Each year since, the faces on the Tri State Staches have changed, but the team always reforms for Movember. In 2013, with the help of the Movember Foundation, Jeremy formed the Cincinnati City Network. Movember Cincy exists to unite the Mo Bros and Mo Sistas of SW Ohio, and of course, raise more money than Cleveland! The network has hosted mustache themed happy hours, cornhole tournaments, facial hair-focused art exhibitions, and live music events that have raised thousands for Movember. Partnering with local breweries, bars and restaurants has been key to their fundraising success. In 2017, Movember Cincy was chosen as the November charity of the month by MadTree Brewery. Also, Mecklenburg Gardens, Cincinnati’s oldest restaurant hosts the 4th annual Movember Day Celebration on 11/19. Find out more about their cause at www.movembercincy.com.
At its core, there is a set of values that unite so many people in the facial hair community; love of charity, fellowship, brotherhood and the desire to use our powerful beards and mustaches to do good for others. Our fathers, sons, brothers and friends face a health crisis that isn’t being talked about. We know more about nutrition and wellness than at any point in history, yet cancer rates have doubled in the last 50 years. Men are dying too young, on average 6 years earlier than women. We can’t afford to stay silent, and that is why Movember is taking action.
Movember is the only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year-round. They focus their efforts on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. Prostate cancer is the 2nd most prevalent cancer among men. Testicular cancer is the single most common cancer among young men. Mental health affects us all, however 75% of suicides are men. Poor mental health leads to half a million men taking their own life every year. That’s one every minute. “Toughing it out” is not a solution. Movember is working toward a world where men and boys take action to be mentally healthy and well, and are supported during tough times.
If you are a man, and you are reading this article, statistically, there is a 50% chance you will have or already had cancer. Get checked out. Know thy nuts! Don’t be afraid to start a conversation about physical and mental health. The life you save could be your own, or your father or your best friend. Whether it’s with your doctor or a complete stranger, there’s no wrong time to take a stand and make a change. If you feel like you can offer something more, join the Movember movement. No one is going to hold you down and make you shave your beautiful beard. Simply sign up and support the cause in whatever way you see best. Choose to do better. Choose to help yourself and the men closest to you. Be the difference. Join Movember.
To become the newest member of The Tri State Staches, find them at
https://us.movember.com/team/2282448
Cover photo is: Paul Rudolph, a founding member of Tri State Staches, and advocate for Movember. Thank you Paul.