Dune Wald initially joined Movember thinking of it as a simple way to show support for men's health, while setting an example for other men who also chose to suffer in silence, rather than express their emotions. Now several years later, Dune is determined to be a leader who shows other men the path to developing stronger relationships, participating in meaningful conversations, and establishing their sense of identity.
Tell us, how did you first get involved with Movember?
It all started with my buddy Mike. I think Mike and I are very similar in the sense that we would rather isolate our emotions than express them with others. Mike is the friend who will give you a hard time, and do it with a big grin, while also welcoming you to do the same…or maybe I just insist to bug him back. However, taking a closer look you soon realize that he is a loyal, good-hearted guy, and someone who shows up when you need him most. So, when he told “the boys” that he would be raising funds and awareness for men’s health through Movember, I decided that I would join him. And after shaving my beard down to a moustache, that’s how I became a Mo Bro.
“Movember helped me reconnect to my sense of identity”
When I first signed up, I did it in place of all the men like me that would rather suffer in silence, than ask for help, because generally we as men are afraid of demonstrating any sign of weakness. At the time I joined, I was hurting and struggled to show others any sort of vulnerability. In addition, when I’m hurting, I feel that if I help others, it also helps me heal - like a form of good karma. You gain a source of comfort from building others up, and Movember gave me a platform to do that. Participating in Movember provided me a healthy way to show others my compassion and allowed them to see who I really am. Someone they can trust, someone they can depend on.
Movember also led me to reflect on my own situation, analyzing my current mental and physical state, as well as analyzing why I am the way I am. Through those conversations with myself and establishing connections, I realized that supporting others has always been a part of who I am—it’s just something that I am compelled to do.
Why does supporting others matter to you?
My Grandfather is the anchor of the support and guidance for my entire family. He is never the first to speak or draw attention to himself, however he patiently supports everyone and is there for you regardless of the situation. He acts calmly, never overacts, and has instilled a work ethic in everyone around him to help others. My Grandfather leads by following, but really it is his guidance that most of us have depended on along the way. I see shades of him in my entire family, I guess that’s just the meaningful impact that he’s made on all of us.
Moving forward, that’s the kind of presence I want to be for my family, friends, and others who look to me for support. I may be slightly more vibrant and draw more attention in the way I lead, but I will always aim to be the voice of reason and someone who can be depended on in any situation.
“I want to see men get to a better place.”
My hope is for men to find a better method for handling life’s challenges—to not carry their struggles home with them and let it affect those they love the most. Too often, I’ve seen how stress or a hard day can lead men to take things out on their family, or others completely unconnected to the stress and pain they feel.
Men just need the right support. Sometimes, that’s as simple as hearing someone say, "I’m here for you" or "I understand the pain you’re feeling." Or at other times, it's a form of tough love and someone reminding you that "you're better than this" and you can overcome the pain you are feeling without lashing out at others.
I think the biggest improvement most people can make, especially men, is improving their self-talk and establishing a positive perspective of themselves. It’s easy to get down on yourself, and when men do this, we isolate. Then we're right back where we started, suffering in silence.
Growing up, I often struggled with my sense of identity, constantly searching for who I truly was. Over time, I’ve come to understand that it’s less about discovering who you are and more about defining who you are becoming. Movember has helped me reconnect with what I already know about myself, providing clarity in the values I want to remain consistent, while also guiding me toward the direction I want to pursue. My goal is to help others find that same clarity and build a strong confidence within themselves.