Luke Forsthoefel Leads Movember Campaign to Raise Awareness, Funds for Men's Health

2017 Nov 9

Luke Forsthoefel is Wesleyan's campus representative this year for the annual campaign to raise funds and awareness for men's health through the Movember Foundation. According to its website, the Foundation is the only charity tackling men's health on a global level, with a focus on addressing prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. It has funded over 1,200 men's health projects in 21 countries.

"The issue of men's health is especially important to me because I think in a lot of ways there are societal norms and expectations put on men that can make it difficult for those who need help to get it," said Forsthoefel, a member of the Men's Crew team. "There is a certain stigma around men asking for help and support when they need it, which is why I think it is so important to get people of all genders involved in helping men break this stigma."

He was also struck by the sheer number of men affected by these health issues.

"One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime while testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 15-34 years, and [...] three out of every four suicides are men. These are pretty staggering statistics that have kept me inspired to be involved."

The signature feature of the Movember campaign is the growing of mustaches.

"People can choose to grow one to raise awareness for the cause. It sparks conversation and reminds people of the importance of men's health and health awareness," Forsthoefel explained. People can also use them to solicit donations. "Say, someone sponsors me to grow out a mustache over the entire month, or the highest donor gets to choose a crazy color to dye a supporter's mustache!"

But supporters need not grow a mustache to get involved, he said.

"On the website, there is a Move Challenge where you can commit to running, walking, or exercising in some way for a certain amount of time or distance over the month of November," he said, adding that supporters can also donate on the website, attend events, or just spread the word.

Forsthoefel's goal for the Men's Crew team is to raise $2,500 during November. The main fundraising activity of the month is a dodgeball tournament November 11 at 5 p.m. in the Bacon Field House. Anyone may participate, and teams will compete for a $100 prize while raising awareness and support for the Foundation. So far, 16 teams of five people each have registered, donating $10 per person.

Other events this month will include an intramural soccer tournament, corn hole tournament, barbecue, and more.

"More than anything, getting the word out to alumni, family and friends is the most important part of the campaign," as many small donations will quickly add up, said Forsthoefel.