"My girlfriend has had diabetes, type one diabetes for over 30 years, then four months ago my mother was diagnosed with type two diabetes as well as lukemia." said Kevin Nichols.
Hearing that news inspired him to do something. He says he came up with the idea to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. In exchange for donations, the Macon DJ says he pledged to get rid of something near as dear to his heart.
"It's something that I don't want to do but everybody raised the money so we're here to do it today, said Nichols. "It's not always been this long. It's been longer. Yeah, there's a sense of attachment to it yeah."
After more than ten years, Nichols agreed to shave off his goatee Thursday at Allure Salon in Macon.
"We call it the squirrel. He's had the goatee for as long as I've known him and we've never seen him without it," said friend Heather Mason.
Nichols met his goal of raising $1500. Nine-year-old Hayden says he's proud of his dad.
"I think it's pretty neat. I was very happy. I added five dollars in the end. It's $1555. I think he did really good," said Hayden.
"This is a one time thing but diabetes is ongoing. I've seen the results of low blood sugar and it's pretty scary if you don't know what's going on," said Nichols.
So that you are better educated about the disease, Nichols says he'll continue his mission as an advocate for diabetes awareness.
For more information or to make a donation, you can go to Nichols' website, www.macondj.com and look for the link for The American Diabetes Association.