Radiologist hilariously impersonates celebrities to fundraise for his patients
Sydney radiologist Mark Udovitch knows just how garbage it is to be sick. Looking to raise awareness and funds for adults living with cancer, as part of the Dry July campaign, Udovitch began to recreate photos of celebrities with only a tiny budget and luscious, soon-to-be-donated locks.
Speaking with Mashable Australia Udovitch said he decided to shave his head after a patient, who had undergone a mastectomy, broke down prior to her treatment at his work. When he asked her what was wrong, she explained that "losing her hair was extremely psychologically distressing and that losing her hair was worse than losing her breast." It was the profoundness of this -- and her explanation that wig libraries for patients only had synthetic and fake-looking wigs -- that solidified his decision to "stop getting haircuts and grow my hair out to be shaved for a wig library."
The photos first appeared on Udovitch's fundraising Facebook page and acted as an injection of fun and silliness to get people talking about a serious subject.
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Udovitch told Mashable Australia that his girlfriend Lisa is photographer, director and make up artist for the project. While wanting to look as accurate in recreation as possible, Udovitch said the aesthetic was shaped around the 'improvised' look with most of the costumes comprised of whatever household items they had lying around their apartment. The humble garbage bag is a deeply underrated and versatile beast.
Udovitch has even roped his co-workers into the project.
The final shave will take place this week on July 29 around lunchtime AEST but until that time, Udovitch is taking photo requests via the Dry July Shave Off Facebook page from anyone who donates toward the campaign.
One of Udovitch's colleagues will also be shaving his eyebrows if he reaches his goal target of AU$1000, so if that tickles your pickle you can donate to that peculiar but well-intentioned side project here.
Udovitch says "I would have loved to have reach our goal of $100k but it doesn't look like we will get there with a week to go.. to be honest, we came into this with very low expectations and just wanted to have some fun and raise awareness about the good work we do at Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre but it has steadily been gaining momentum online and who knows!"
Fingers crossed and braids plaited, just maybe they'll make it, and we can have some more DIY halloween costume inspiration for our Pinterest boards to go along with that cancer funding.
