YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Things are getting hairy at a local law firm. But it’s all for a good cause.

Nine local attorneys from Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell are growing moustaches and beards as part of a worldwide movement to generate awareness and funds for men’s cancer issues. Funds raised through the firm’s participation in “Movember” will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Movember is a November-long effort globally where men join together to grow moustaches or other facial hair for 30 days to become walking billboards for men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer. Last year, the U.S. campaign raised $2.5 million for the Prostate Cancer Foundation with nearly 65,000 participants.

Patrick K. Wilson, an HHM attorney and cancer survivor, encouraged his colleagues to participate in Movember after growing facial hair last year with his college-aged nephew.

“The cause is near and dear to me as someone who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 46 and whose father and father-in-law both passed away from the disease,” Wilson said. “I’ve been cancer-free since April 2010, but I’m one of the lucky ones. So much more research is needed to help fight cancer, and anything I can do to support fundraising efforts, I will do.

“I’m grateful and humbled that so many of my colleagues agreed to join me.”

Clients, friends and family of the firm – and the community at large – are encouraged to track the progress of participating attorneys’ facial hair growth by visiting the firm’s website throughout the month. Profile pictures on the firm’s website have already been altered for fun to reflect the participation of Wilson and colleagues Chris Baronzzi, Marty Boetcher, Fritz Coombs, Paul Dutton, Jess Enyeart, Bill Hawley, George Millich and Alan Wenger.

Donations in recognition of the firm’s fundraising efforts can be made payable to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in care of HHM. For details, contact the firm at 330.744.1111.

Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell, Ltd. is the area’s largest law firm, with offices in Youngstown, Warren and Salem. The firm provides legal solutions to corporations, other businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies and individuals. More information is available online at www.hhmlaw.com.

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