December 21, 2018

​When Transmission & Substation Services Engineer Tim Sheerer first participated in No-Shave November’s annual fund-raiser four years ago, he had no idea how it would inspire others to support the cause, even motivating a fellow coworker to join the effort.

“No-Shave November is a web-based, non-profit organization devoted to growing cancer awareness and raising funds to support cancer prevention, research and education,” explains Tim. “The charity works with three organizations: Prevent Cancer Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

Tim began his fund-raising effort on a whim in 2015. He usually went on an all-terrain vehicle excursion during the first week of November every year with friends and would avoid shaving during the trip. After hearing about the No-Shave November mission on the morning news, and with makings of a steady beard already in place, he decided to fund raise for the cause and forego shaving for the entire month.

“The first year, I sent a few emails to people asking for donations and was pleasantly surprised to raise $500,” says Tim. “The following year I expanded the email list, posted messages on social media and was able to raise more than $2,000.”

People became more and more interested in the mission, asking if he would continue his fund-raising. Tim collected donations totaling $2,700 in 2017 before raising an all-time best of $4,470 last month for the 2018 No-Shave November campaign – this time with help from a fellow coworker, Transmission Program Manager Jeff Morrison, who is also a cancer survivor.

Though Jeff had donated to Tim’s past campaigns, he found participating in the No-Shave November effort as a first-time fund-raiser especially meaningful.

“I am a very fortunate seven-year survivor of stage three colon cancer,” said Jeff. “Publicly sharing or discussing your cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation experiences is not easy for many people, including me.”

Jeff added: “When I thought about all the people who helped me, the people who are going through the same experiences and especially those who may not make a seven-year milestone, I felt inspired to share information and ask for support through donations. If it helps in the fight against cancer, I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Both Tim and Jeff plan to take part in the fund-raising effort again next November.

“What’s special about this campaign is that the majority of donations we receive come from FirstEnergy employees,” said Tim. “And their generosity is very appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed.”

“A sincere thank you to all who helped,” added Jeff.

Employees interested in joining Tim and Jeff’s team for the 2019 No-Shave November fund-raising campaign can email Tim Sheerer at sheerert@firstenergycorp.com for more information.