by Melissa Martin
Aspiring Journalist
JONESBORO, Ark. — During the month of November, the College of Agriculture and Technology students and faculty members are participating in No-Shave November to support Lori Fenner, a faculty member in the CoAT, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in July.
According to no-shave.org, No-Shave November is a month-long journey during which participants forgo shaving and grooming in order to evoke conversation and raise cancer awareness. In the fall of 2009, the Hill family of Chicagoland, Illinois decided to use No-Shave November as a means to raise money for cancer charities to honor their father who died of colon cancer. No-shave.org states the goal is to grow awareness by embracing body hair- which many cancer patients lose- and letting it grow wild and free.
“Participants will not shave for the month of November to show their support as well as take pledges from sponsors, who can either give donations daily or a one-time amount. The funds raised will be contributed to Fenner’s GoFundMe account or given directly to her as a gift to help defray some of the unexpected costs related to her treatment,” John Humphrey, associate professor of Agricultural Education, said.
Humphrey got the idea to have the college participate in No-Shave November because he is a volunteer for the Casting for Recovery program in Arkansas, a fly-fishing retreat for breast-cancer survivors.
“I lost my only sister to breast cancer so, with this, and knowing about ‘No-Shave November’ I felt this would be a worthwhile investment,” Humphrey said.
When Fenner heard the College of Agriculture and Technology was having the event to benefit her, she said she was so touched and incredibly honored.
“It means so much to me! I work with a great group of faculty, staff and students. They have gone the extra mile to support me! I couldn’t ask for more than that,” Fenner said.
At this time there are about 40 students and six faculty members of the College of Agriculture and Technology participating in the on-going event.
-30-
John Humphrey- Associate Professor of Agricultural Education
Email: jhumphre@astate.edu
Lori Fenner- Instructor of Agriculture, Director of Advising Hub
Email: lfenner@astate.edu
No-Shave November- https://www.no-shave.org/
Melisa Martin Photography 