A Movember ambassador and Hall of Fame inductee, Jeff Morrison shares his experience to encourage men to talk openly about their health and support one another. (Courtesy of Jeff Morrison/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
A prostate cancer diagnosis changed Jeff Morrison's life.
Now, the University of Windsor alumnus is turning that experience into an opportunity to support the next generation of cancer researchers.
Morrison (BA ’92), a communications graduate, has established the No MO Cancer Scholarship to support undergraduate students pursuing work in cancer research and men's health.
“After being diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 45 and seeing firsthand how cancer affected both my family and my own life, I wanted to do more than just raise awareness and funds,” says Morrison.
“I wanted to create a legacy that would continue supporting innovation, research, and education long after any single fundraising campaign had ended,” he says.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men. Early detection can improve treatment options and outcomes.
Morrison chose to establish the scholarship at UWindsor, where he earned his degree and laid the foundation for his career and community involvement.
“When I decided to create a scholarship, it felt important to invest in an institution that had invested in me,” says Morrison.
Morrison's involvement in men's health advocacy began in 2012, when he joined Movember, a global movement that raises awareness and funds for men's health. What started as a chance to grow a moustache with friends soon took on a deeper meaning.
The following year, his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer, prompting Morrison to get tested himself.
“What started as a simple fundraising effort became deeply personal when Movember's focus on awareness and early detection ultimately helped save my life following my prostate cancer diagnosis in 2015,” says Morrison.
Since then, Morrison has helped raise approximately $140,000 for men's health initiatives supporting prostate cancer awareness, mental health and suicide prevention.
His fundraising efforts have included the annual FORE Movember Charity Golf Tournament, partnerships with Wellington Brewery in Guelph, workplace campaigns, community events and public speaking engagements.
Movember ambassador Jeff Morrison (left) with Movember Canada’s Steve Smyth (right). (Courtesy of Jeff Morrison/University of Windsor)
A Movember ambassador and Hall of Fame inductee, Morrison shares his experience to encourage men to talk openly about their health and support one another.
“I firmly believe that when men feel comfortable talking about their physical and mental health, lives can be changed and, in many cases, saved,” says Morrison.
“Every year, my commitment grows stronger because I've experienced firsthand the impact that awareness, early detection, and community support can have on individuals and families.”
Morrison says he also was inspired to create the scholarship after learning about WE-SPARK Health Institute’s work in advancing health research and innovation, as well as its partnership with the University.
“Knowing that students and researchers at UWindsor are contributing to discoveries that can improve and save lives made it the natural choice for the scholarship,” he says.
“For me, the scholarship represents a meaningful way to give back to my alma mater while helping future generations of students pursue work that can make a real difference in the fight against cancer.”
For Morrison, the No MO Cancer Scholarship brings together his personal experience, years of advocacy and belief in the power of research to change lives.
“Most importantly, the scholarship reflects my belief that one conversation, one diagnosis, and one person's decision to take action can create a ripple effect that changes lives,” he says.