RJ Canning is going to be clean shaven for the first time since high school. Nicole has never even seen him with a smooth face, but can't wait to pet him for a few days and not see those nasty little hairs in the sink! Dixie will be sad to lose her back scratching beard, but it's all for a good cause.

RJ has signed up for the Ulman Cancer Fund Beard Off Challenge. Starting November 1st he'll cut free from shaving by committing to growing his beard for young adult cancer awareness. Nearly 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year. Today cancer is the leading disease killer among 20- to 39-year-olds. 

To add, Nicole's employer, Allegis Global Solutions (AGS), will match contributions up to $1,000. Help us reach $1,000 and watch that double - all thanks to AGS!

• $200 will pay to help preserve a young adult’s fertility prior to starting treatment

• $500 will pay for our Patient Navigator to meet and work with five new patients and their families

• $1,000 will pay for gas cards to help 40 patients get to treatment

• $2,500 will pay for a scholarship to send a young adult impacted by cancer to college

And for a bit more incentive, RJ has agreed to the following for your gracious donation!

• $5 gets you an internet high five & a compliment on your FB wall

• $10 gets you a personalized thank you note from Dixie

• $20 RJ will eat a raw jalepeno pepper (Nicole will film)

• $50 RJ will dye his beard the color of your choice for 1 day

• $100 RJ will wear a shirt with the photo of your choice ironed on it during his morning workout

The highest bidder can choose how RJ should shave his face on the last day of the Beard Off - will it be a Goatee, Fu Manchu, Mutton Chops, Handlebar Mustache, Soul Patch, or maybe your initials? He will wear this style for one week.

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 $70,000 for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. With a great beard comes great responsibility. 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.

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.

The Founding of the UCF | 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, the UCF expanded our reach to provide young adults and their families with a unique and comprehensive system of support. The UCF growth has resulted in many programs and services available across the United States.

This year's Beard Off for Cancer is Presented by M&T Bank

M&T Bank is considered one of the country's most highly regarded regional banks. We've built our business on a tradition of reliability, accuracy, and responsiveness to the needs of our customers. Founded 160 years ago, M&T Bank has a longstanding tradition of careful, conservative and consistent management. You’ll find M&T Bank to be a reliable bank that’s strong and stable, a local bank that’s committed to the communities we serve and a responsive bank that cares about what’s important to you, your family and your business.

One of our core beliefs is that the well-being of the bank is dependent upon the well-being of the communities we serve. Each year, we contribute more than $4.1 million to over 500not-for-profits in Maryland.  The Baltimore Business Journal ranked M&T the 5th most generous company in the region.

M&T’s clients have access to a wide array of financial solutions for your personal, business and commercial banking needs, designed to accommodate the way you bank today, while helping you build financial security for the future.