Editor’s Note: The original article was published by Anne Sara Bien-Aime. https://www.inforum.com/news/fargo/ndsu-fraternity-steps-up-for-mens-health-with-25-hour-fundraising-walk
45 members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at NDSU are walking from Grand Forks to Fargo, raising money and awareness for men’s health.
GRAND FORKS — Forty-five members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at North Dakota State are kicking off “Movember” early. They want to make sure they reach their goal of raising money and awareness for men’s health.
On any given day, a man in your life could be suffering from cancer, thoughts of suicide or mental health issues, members said. At times, it can be hard for them to speak up about it.
“So, it’s very important for us to open up about everything and talk about and really give recognition and honesty to all men in our lives,” said Keegan Effertz, a member of the SAE fraternity at NDSU.
That’s the impetus behind their annual walk to raise money and awareness for men’s health issues.
“Last year was my first year doing the walk, I did about eight hours,” said Zaid Alssaraj, another SAE member. “At first, to me, it was just a walk, just a walk with the brothers, and getting to know them. And then I got to actually know them and then I got to actually know what the message was behind ‘Movember,'” he said.
On Friday, Sept. 6, the members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon from NDSU started their third annual Walk for Movember at University Spray Park in Grand Forks.
The fraternity will split up in 10 shifts. Some may walk for three hours, others may walk for eight. After 25 hours, all 45 members will meet at tailgating before NDSU’s football game against Tennessee State on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Fargodome.
“When you’re walking two to three, four guys and you’re just there walking, no music, just a car behind you, just walking, I feel like it changes the perspective and you really get to know you’re brothers a lot more and you maybe get to understand what they’re going through life and maybe what they want to get off their chest,” said SAE member Connor Buresh.
Some were even relieved to open up about a family member who overcame prostate cancer.
“We do this, so you remember to check in with your lucky mates, brothers, sisters and everybody around, too,” Buresh said.
Their goal this year is to raise $7,500 dollars before the new year.
If you’d like to help, you can donate to SAE North Dakota State on their website.
