The Daily BuzzWoman grows beard, moustache in honour of Movember
Thanks to the facial-hair fundraising efforts of men around the world, millions of dollars get raised each November to combat prostate cancer.
This year, however, one very brave woman has decided to grow her own Movember beard in an effort to help out the cause.
As ABC News reports, Siobhain Fletcher was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) when she was 23, but she's grappled with excessive facial and body hair — one of the numerous symptoms triggered by the syndrome's hormonal imbalances — since puberty.
[ Related: Yahoo! Canada Movember participants pick their favourite 'staches ]
"I started getting a few hairs, around 15 or 16. Every woman gets facial hair. I thought that was just part of puberty. I cut with scissors, or shaved them off," the 36-year-old Staffordshire woman told the news network.
Fletcher, who manages an equestrian supplies store near Manchester in the United Kingdom, has run through the gamut of hair removal options, none of which has yet proved an optimal solution.
Waxing and hair removal creams damaged her skin, electrolysis is effective but time consuming and she can't yet afford laser treatment.
So when a friend told her about his own Movember efforts, Fletcher decided to retire her hair removal implements for the month to contribute to the cause.
More Movember:
"I pointed out that he had a bit of face fuzz, and asked about it. He told me about 'Movember,' and in a spur of the moment decision, I decided to grow mine," she said.
Since she set up her Movember page, Fletcher has raised GBP £1,150 (nearly $2000 CND) and counting.
As an added bonus, many women who also suffer from PCOS have chimed in on her message board, thanking Fletcher for her actions, her bravery and for bringing attention to their own health issue.
I too have PCOS and know your struggles," wrote Nicole Caputo. "I am so inspired by your courage to help with this fund raiser and I commend you dedication!"
With the nastiness that can be triggered by anything perceived as a "threat" to socially constructed gender paradigms, so far Fletcher appears to be shielded from the worst of it.
"To actually go out there, and get out there, you see people still have manners. People may look, but mostly it's been very positive," she told Good Morning America. "I think only one negative comment on the whole of the Internet."
[ Related: Movember coming to an end: Will you keep or trash the 'stache? ]
While that unfortunately has not proved to be the case, the judgmental and cruel remarks have been outnumbered by thoughtful and positive feedback.
"I began the article thinking it was going to be a laugh. By the time I finished it, I felt like a jerk for thinking that in the first place. She's a lovely and special person, and I wish the very best for her in this life," writes one commenter, echoing a sentiment reflected in many other replies.
Fletcher's Movember efforts have done far more than simply raise funds for prostate cancer, a disease that does not personally affect her; they've touched on the humanity that inspires us to be good to one another in the first place.
