No Shave CT Engages Businesses in Cancer Fight

Everyone is touched by cancer in some way.

Whether it’s a diagnosis of our own, a family member, friend, colleague, or employee, the impact often extends well beyond treatment.

Throughout November, Connecticut businesses have an opportunity to help ease some of those burdens through No Shave CT, a statewide fundraising campaign from the Connecticut Cancer Foundation.

Now in its seventh year, No Shave CT raises money to help cancer patients with the everyday expenses that don’t stop during treatment.

The foundation is asking businesses, employees, schools, community groups, and other organizations to participate.

Helping Families

Since 2017, No Shave CT has raised more than $1.5 million, with 100% going directly to Connecticut cancer patients and their families.

The foundation’s goal is to raise $300,000 during No Shave CT.

No Shave CT is looking to raise $300,000 during the campaign.

“Every participant, sponsor, and donor plays an important role in helping us get there,” said Connecticut Cancer Foundation founder, president, and executive director Jane Ellis.

This year’s five No Shave CT child ambassadors illustrate the need for that support.

They range in age from 3 to 12 and come from communities across the state, with families facing not only lengthy cancer treatments, but the financial consequences that come with them.

Costly Journey

For families facing cancer, treatment can also mean missed work, reduced hours, or leaving the workforce to care for a loved one.

And the costs associated with a diagnosis can quickly add up to thousands of dollars.

“Medical treatment is only one part of the cancer journey,” said Ellis. “Patients and families need a strong support system to get through the challenges they face.”

“Community support can make all the difference.”

Connecticut Cancer Foundation’s Jane Ellis

“Building a cancer team that includes family, friends, and community support can make all the difference.”

The foundation works with Connecticut’s major hospitals and hospital social workers to identify families in need.

Funds raised during the campaign will help those families cover everyday expenses during treatment, from groceries and utilities to housing and transportation.

Getting Creative

And while “No Shave” is in the name, beards are not required.

Organizers are encouraging teams, businesses, and individuals to get creative in how they participate.

That includes workplace fundraisers like dress down days, departmental competitions, and donation matching, or community events like a spinathon fundraiser at a local gym.

And of course, there’s the traditional facial-hair growing, which is particularly popular with local law enforcement agencies.

“Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can have the biggest impact.”

Connecticut Cancer Foundation’s Nicole Nalepa

No Shave CT is also bringing supporters together for a special Nachos for No Shave CT kickoff event Friday, Nov. 6, along with other activities throughout the month including yoga and a happy hour.

“It doesn’t take a grand gesture to make a difference,” said the Connecticut Cancer Foundation’s Nicole Nalepa.

“Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can have the biggest impact, especially for a family facing cancer.”

Teams and businesses can register at any time during the campaign.

Personal Mission

The mission for the foundation is a personal one.

Former New York Yankees catcher John Ellis and his wife Jane founded it in 1987.

Ellis lost his brother, sister, and sister-in-law to lymphoma before being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma himself at age 38.

Since 1987, the Connecticut Cancer Foundation has granted more than $9.6 million to more than 11,000 families.

He pledged that if he survived, he would dedicate his life to helping cancer patients in his home state.

While Ellis died from a recurrence of cancer in 2022, Jane Ellis continues that mission today.

Since the foundation was founded, it has granted more than $9.6 million to more than 11,000 Connecticut families.