Tri City Americans Launch “Movember” Moustache Contest to Fight Cancer

The Tri-City Americans kick off their 2nd. Annual "Movember" month to raise awareness about male testicular cancer.

Inspired by the story of former American Shaun Vey, who in 2013 survived a bout with cancer, last year the Americans staged a special Movember month to raise funds to fight cancer, and spread awareness.

Vey, who played for the Americans for four seasons,  discovered an abnormality in February of last year.  At the urging of his wife, he saw his doctor,  and discovered he had early stage testicular cancer.  Fortunately, he was treated and has fully recovered.

He now leads numerous efforts to raise awareness and funds to help fight this disease.  As a leader of the recent Relay for Life team in Saskatoon he helped raise over $15,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society this last summer.    Movember began in Australia as a local effort to call attention to this often ignored illness.   In 11 years, it's grown around the world and last year the Americans joined in.

Throughout the month of November,  fans can donate at the Americans home games November 5th, 14th, and 29th during special Movember events.  The team has also divided itself into four teams, who will compete during the month to see who can grow the most facial hair!  The teams are The Baby Faces, Muzzkateers, Amazing Face Hair Growers, and Mo Muzzy Mo Problem.

Pictures will be posted on the Americans website, and fans can pledge to support the team they most think will win. All funds raised will go towards the Tri-City Cancer Center Foundation, and fans can also visit their website and pledge donations.

Testicular cancer is most commonly found in men between the ages of 15 and 35, with over 8,200 new cases diagnosed each year in the U.S.   If detected early, and due to successful treatment programs,  the risk of death is very low, only 1 in 5,000.    A man's chances of developing testicular cancer are about 1 in 270.

Vey urges men of all ages to be aware, and if something seems amiss, doesn't feel right or remotely suspicious, see a doctor.   You don't have to wait until you start to feel discomfort of pain.

So join the Americans in the month of "Movember" to help fight cancer.