In
with testicular cancer. Then, after chemo in 2013, I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of my treatment.
I had family and friends for support, not to mention a ton of drugs to keep me alive, but none of that could top the best medicine I had: my dog, Virgil.
The health benefits of pets have been scientifically studied for years, but as anyone who has a pet knows, the bond goes much deeper than a study. In moments when there are no words to describe your pain or sadness, or any other of the number of problems that come from being sick, that pet looks you in the eye and somehow miraculously gives you the comfort you needed.
That's why this Movember Virgil and I are bro'ing out and getting our shave on.
Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in young men between the ages of 15 and 35. The second-most common form of cancer among men in the United States is prostate cancer. A diagnosis of cancer is often a cause of mental health problems down the road, of which 15 million American adults are diagnosed with each year.
Facts like these are the reasons that Movember exists.
The Movember Foundation is the official global charity challenging men to grow moustaches to change the face of men's health. Come November 1st, men across the world shave clean and start bro'ing out, aka growing out their mustache, in support of men's health. It's not about the beard. Beards don't start conversations; guys grow them the rest of the year. It's all about the 'stache!
Movember mustaches start conversations, which lead to men getting checkups, which leads to detecting cancer early. They're a walking billboard of support for Movember to raise vital funds and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.
Visit Movember.com to sign up to be a MoBro or MoSista. Grow that stache, ask family & friends to support you, and attend one of the thousands of events happening around the world during November.
I'll be keeping a Movember Mustache Diary all month in posts on MTV Act and Huffington Post and tweeting with #Chemocation at @HAlanScott.
Join my team! NerdMelt is one of LA's hottest comedy venues (and the home of Comedy Central's The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail). So hot that we just had to have a team. Join and then come to the special Movember show on November 22nd.
You can have an impact on men's health. Sign up at Movember.com to grow a mustache and join the movement.
Photos (H. Alan Scott, Movember)
This post originally appeared on MTV Act.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
