Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre

My name is Wal, I am one of those people who never gets sick. So you can imagine how daunting it was to be told I had cancer of the larynx at age 67 in what should be my last working year. After initial biopsy which confirmed the cancer, I was referred to The cancer therapy centre at Liverpool Public Hospital which I am told has one of only four machines in NSW to treat my particular cancer.

On my first visit, I was welcomed by what I can only call the most professional team of doctors, nurses, radiotherapy staff, receptionists and volunteers who took the time to explain everything to me in detail. What my cancer was, how it would be treated, the length of treatment and the expected outcome. I will attend the Centre 5 days a week for six weeks, these wonderful people are still as professional as they were on day one. Their dedication is simply never ending for all those who attend the Centre.

In the reception area is a library, which has a great range of books, in a variety of languages, so while waiting it helps to take your mind off the treatment and relax for a while not just for yourself but for your family and carers as well. Thank you Dry July this is a great idea.

The palliative care team at Liverpool Hospital are planning to use fundraising from Dry July 2016 towards a double bed to enable loved ones to stay overnight, and wall mounted time and date clocks that are legible for patients.

The amazing fundraising efforts of Mark Udovitch and the radiation therapy team at Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre will support the following projects for patients:

- Scenic curtains in patient areas
- Patient library and resources
- Music streaming services and speakers for patients in the linacs
- Blanket warmer

Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre Radiation Therapist Mark Udovitch appeared on The Daily Edition on Monday 4 July to promote the Dry July Shave Off campaign and his 'rip-off' celebrity photos.

Watch the segment here.

Originally published by Stacy Thomas, Liverpool Leader, July 4, 2016 10:10am

It’s taken hours of planning to get the outfit and hair just right, but Mark Udovitch is happy with his “rip-off” celebrity images. 

The Liverpool Hospital radiation therapist has been scheming with his girlfriend Lisa McLean.

Despite being done in jest, the reason behind it has a more serious tone.

“I had a patient who had breast cancer. She lost her hair after chemotherapy,” he said.

“She was distressed about the loss of hair ... more than surgery. 

“It was harder for her than the mastectomy. It was such a profound thing to say.”

Mr Udovitch, 28, decided to grow his hair and donate it to a wig library. Two and a half years later, his luscious locks, which he normally wears in a man bun, are about to go. But not before he has a bit of fun.

“It all started with the first photo I did — Creed singer Scott Stapp. It got more than 150 likes (on social media),” he said.

“My favourite is Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones. We’ve still got more to come over the coming weeks too.

“And I’ve made it obvious that if anyone donates, I’m asking them to recommend a celebrity for me to take off. There have been a lot I thought would be impossible.” 

In just a short period of time, he’s raised more than $6000, all of it going to the Dry July  campaign. 

Dry July encourages people to give up alcohol for the month of July and raise funds for cancer patients, their families and carers.

Mr Udovitch said it was all just a bit of fun, but he loved the fact it had gained so much exposure. He will be shaving his head at the end of the month.

More than $17,500 has been raised this year for the Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, including Mr Udovitch’s contribution. It’ll be spent on wellness programs, additional transport services, furniture and chemotherapy patient gazebo. 

Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre supports the Liverpool, Fairfield and Bankstown local government areas.

More than 3100 adult cancer patients access services each year.

Details: dryjuly.com/users/mark-udovitch.