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Movember is Coming! Take Our Stache Challenge!

By John DiGilio in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 24, 2012 9:00PM

It only comes but once a year. No, we are not talking about Christmas or even Ribfest. For the connoisseur of the well-coiffed upper lip, it is, however, one of the most wonderful times of the year. For those involved in the fight against prostate and other male cancers, it is a critical period. We are referring to Movember, of course. It is just weeks away and Mo Bros around the world are gearing (and grooming!) up. We here at Chicagoist are taking part too and we are looking for a few good men to join us.

We first reported on Movember last year. We introduced you to Mo Bros and Mo Sistas in the Chicago area who had stories to tell and covered several of the local ‘stache bashes. This year, Chicagoist is going a step further. We are forming team captained by some of our own writers. Think you can grow some sweet brush above your kisser? Let’s see if you can put your time and money where your mouth is and out do our Movember staches. It’s a friendly competition and for a great cause.

This year marks the ninth anniversary of Movember and its sixth year in the United States. What began as a friendly pub bet in Australia has become a global juggernaut raising funds and awareness for men’s health issues. Almost two million men and women from all over the world participated last year. Collectively, these Mo Bros and Mo Sistas raised over $126 million. Never underestimate the power of the mustache and a good cause. This year's theme, Movember & Sons, highlights the relationships among generations of men trying to live and be their best.

We recently had the chance to sit down with Movember founder, Adam Garone to talk about the growth and importance of this initiative. The epitome of manliness himself, with sharp features, a thick Aussie accent, and a truly enviable mustache of his own, he quickly showed a soft side when talking about his fundraiser-gone-global. "It is humbling to see how this is grown," said Garone. "With the help of so many wonderful, dedicated men and women, we have become one of the largest funders of prostate cancer research in the world."

In just this year alone, more than 242,000 men will have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. That is one new case every 2.1 minutes. Sadly, more than 28,000 men will die from this disease in 2012. The men and women of Movember are working towards a cure. Chicagoist is getting involved! We are looking for a few good men and women to join our own Mo Bros and Mo Sistas as we make the mustache king and raise awareness and funds. Won't you join us? Sign up here. In 2011, Chicago was named the most mustache friendly city in America. Let's live up to that honor!

Are you participating in Movember this year? If so, we want to hear about your events and share your stories. Contact the author directly for coverage.