SASK. — Growing a moustache during November is about spreading awareness and supporting men regarding mental health and cancer.
Saskatchewan resident Maury Simoneau has been participating Movember challenge for 16 years now and has been personally impacted by cancer in his family.
Simoneau’s late father, Morris (also known as Moe), was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010, which he survive thanks to doctors detecting the disease early.
"That really was the cause for me to do my small part, grow [a] moustache and raise some awareness,” said Simoneau.
Simoneau’s dad later fell terminally ill with unrelated causes and passed away.
During this time, Simoneau had also learned his brother, Darcy, was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“He was diagnosed with stage four right off the get-go. It's an uphill battle. And four is essentially terminal cancer,” said Simoneau.
Doctors gave Darcy two-and-a-half years to live, but Simoneau said his brother still managed to be himself while battling cancer.
“For two years, he lived literally with bags and tubes in him. And just went about his business. I was just in a fishing tournament this July with him.”
Simoneau called his brother’s grind and determination “a true inspiration.”
Darcy’s courageous battle ended after he passed away on Sept. 15.
Even though Simoneau lost two loved ones in the span of a few years, he’s using their examples as a way to push on.
“I’ll always remember the fight they put up and take that with me.”
Simoneau stressed the importance of advocating for cancer testing.
“Eighty-eight per cent of people can survive past five years after dedicating to early screenings of cancer,” he referenced from stats provided by Movember.
Since volunteering with Movember Saskatchewan, Simoneau has raised nearly $70,000, leading local teams for around 80 to 90 per cent of those 16 years.
Simoneau is collaborating with Adam Kletchko, local member ambassador with Movember Canada, for Sask Hot Ones, a fundraising event which will be held in both Regina and Saskatoon this year.
The Regina event will be held at Hotel Saskatchewan on Nov. 22.
Meanwhile, the Saskatoon fundraiser will be held on Nov. 28 at the Gather Local Market.
FC Regina is also pitching in with fundraising efforts with their eighth annual Movember game on Nov. 8.
Kletchko said Movember Saskatchewan has raised over $15,000 since starting Sask Hot Ones in 2021.
All funds raised directly go towards Movember Canada, which pick research programs, awareness programs, and everything related to men's mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer, according to Kletchko.
As for Simoneau, he will keep growing his moustache each November and do his part.
“I know if it's not me who will be impacted, it's going to be someone close to me, a close friend, a family member.”
