My involvement with the Ulman Foundation has been extensive. But never have I participated in one of their most popular events, which is the annual Beard Off.

My reason for not participating in the Beard Off has mainly been because I prefer more physical challenges, like a race or bike ride. But moreover, I don't grow a very nice-looking beard.

So, like most ventures of mine, I like to make it unique to me and therefore my Beard Off fundraising is not only that after a month without shaving, I will cut my beard, but I will also cut my hair which I've been growing out for over 3 years now.

Many people only know me as having long hair, most people know me for having short hair, and only few people know me as someone who once had no hair thanks to my several months of chemotherapy treatment when I was 13-14 years old. It’s safe to say that hair is a legitimately significant component of my life – so much so that I’m currently writing a book about it – and so I want to make this a Beard (and Hair) Off.

The Ulman Foundation has a motto of giving and getting support and therefore this fundraising goal is to directly help those young adults currently battling this awful disease to find a semblance of normalcy in an atypical time in their life, even if it’s just to feel comfortable without hair. But additionally, this fundraising is also to help me emotionally move forward in my survivorship and be less reliant on hair as a badge of honor in my victory over cancer. By giving support to those currently fighting, I continue to get support from them and you all.

Please help me reach my goal, enjoy my playful farewell tour for my luscious locks and help countless young adults and their families through more serious times. And come December 2 (Giving Tuesday), I will be shave my beard and cut my hair for donation. 

About the Beard Off

The Beard Off Challenge began as a bet among a group of friends who wanted to see who could grow the best beard. It grew gloriously and in just three years has “fund-razed” over $100,000 for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. All Bearders are committed to raising funds and, most importantly, awareness for The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, a non-profit dedicated to creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. 

"With a great beard comes great responsibility." ~ Shakespeare, probably. 

About the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults

At age 19, Doug Ulman was preparing for his sophomore year at Brown University. He was a healthy, active college student and Division I soccer player. One event would change his life forever. Doug was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma, a malignant tumor, located on a rib in his back.

Ulman's founding  | 1997

Frustrated by the lack of resources and literature to speak to the unique needs of young adults affected by cancer, Doug and his family created The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults to fill this gap.

Helping Young Adults | 1997 – Present

Since our creation,Ulman has expanded our reach to provide young adults and their families with a unique and comprehensive system of support. Ulman's growth has resulted in many programs and services available across the United States.