DENVER – This November, things are going to look a little different in the Denver7 sports office.
After years of covering Denver sports stars and occasionally making fun of their facial hair (we’re looking at you, Charlie Blackmon), the men of the Denver7 sports department are throwing caution to the wind and growing their own.
Lionel Bienvenu, Nick Rothschild and Troy Renck are joining with the Colorado office of the American Cancer Society (ACS) to raise money and awareness about the fight against cancer through the Denver NovemBeardcampaign.
“Cancer has affected so many families,” said Troy, adding that he feared he was going to lose his father to the disease earlier this year. “My facial hair will likely look foolish. But that's kind of why I am doing it: to create attention and interest in raising funds for a great cause.”
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Colorado. According to the American Cancer Society, this year in Colorado, 2,270 men will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, another 540 will die. About 120 Colorado men will die of melanoma during 2019, many of them part of the 1,830 who will just be learning they have the disease.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone who hasn’t been affected by cancer in one way or another,” Lionel said. “I have lost family members and friends to cancer and I have many family members and friends who are cancer survivors.”
This is the second year Denver7 has teamed with the American Cancer Society for the Denver NovemBeard campaign. Last year, reporters Jason Gruenauer and Russell Haythorn combined to raise nearly $8,000 to fund research and programs like Road to Recovery that provide transportation to cancer patients during treatment. They will be joining the sports team, reporter Sean Towle, and other Denver7 employees in the effort this year, hoping to put a big dent in the American Cancer Society’s $25,000 goal.
“It's become impossible to live a life devoid of any influence from cancer,” added Nick. “I believe that a cure is out there, but we need to be diligent and deliberate in looking for it.”
You can donate or join the Denver7 team by following this link. You can donate to the team or to an individual beard grower. You can also follow the links on that site to set up your own team at work or with your friends.
