Staff writer
Though there is no shortage of bearded men in Marion County, this year during the month of “Movember,” Billy Alcorn is one more furry face, and his is a beard with a purpose.
For those who don’t know, “Movember” is the name of a global charity event in which participants help promote awareness and raises funds to combat prostate and testicular cancer by encouraging men to grow a mustache for the 30 days of November.
For the last 14 years, Alcorn has kept a clean-shaven face. However, this year he decided to participate in the “Movember” event by growing out his mustache and beard in support of people he knows.
“My younger brother, Tom Richardson, is captain of the Sedgwick County Fire Department, and in the last two years, he and four other guys there came down with prostate cancer,” Alcorn said. “Though I don’t have much on top, I’m growing this hair for them.”
Alcorn said many people he knows have never seen him with facial hair so they ask him about it he informs them of the cause behind it.
“He has been clean-shaven for 14 years,” his wife, Rohani Alcorn, said. “First thing people wonder is, ‘Why?’”
Rohani said she made him shave before they were married. This is the first time she has seen him with a beard since their wedding, and his prickly features are taking a little getting used to. However, she said admires why he is doing it.
“I may not get as close to him,” she said. “I like him better clean-shaven. But if he wants to do it, it’s for a good cause.”
“Many people in the area have never heard of the no shave month,” Alcorn said.
However, people seem genuinely interested when explains the reason behind his change in appearance, he said. He also plans to participate in “Movember” again next year.
For more information on the month of “Movemeber” visit http://us.movember.com/.