Don't Mask the Light
Covid-19 does not discriminate and has had a world-wide devastating effect on all of us, particularly for patients undergoing cancer treatments. Please help me shine a bright light of hope for cancer patients and survivors, by posting a masked selfie on social media and adding the #dontmaskthelight.
My name is Theo and I am a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Through the power of photography, I aim to raise money for cancer research and spread awareness for the early diagnosis of people with suspected cancer.
How to take part
Please kindly donate using the links below. Share your '#dontmaskthelight' photo on your favourite social media platform with a mask, share your story and please spread the word by nominating friends.
1
Donate
Choose a charity below to donate
2
Take a photo
Take a photo or selfie to share with your story
3
Share
Share your photo and story on social media using the hashtag #dontmaskthelight and nominate your friends and colleagues to share their own stories and support.
Cancer Research UK
We are the world’s largest charity dedicated to saving lives through research. Our vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666).
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
We raise money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and ground-breaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, we will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1095197).
Meet the DMTL Family
Miss Laura Spence
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Reconstructive Cancer Services
Royal Marsden Hospital.
'For me being a nurse means to always go above and beyond for my patients. You might only meet me for a brief but vulnerable time in your life and my pledge is to always be by your side to make your journey as humane and comfortable as possible. Let’s head into 2021 with more care and compassion for each other'
Miss Katherine Krupa
Consultant breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon.
Royal Marsden Hospital
'Making joint decisions about cancer treatments means listening to patients and offering all available treatment options: This is personalised patient care'
Dr Catherine Borysiewicz
Consultant in Dermatology, Histiocytosis, and Lead for Skin Cancer.
Hammersmith Hospital
'Running a busy skin cancer service is never easy, but the additional pressures of COVID19 have created unique challenges. For example I am really missing being able to see my patients in clinic- phone calls are never a substitute! This photo was taken with my 2 young children, it is always insightful to hear their thoughts and questions to remind me about the importance of family'
Dr Liza Van Kerckhoven
Microsurgical Reconstructive Fellow (Antwerp, Belgium).
Royal Marsden Hospital
'My aim is to help you see past your scars and feel complete again'
Mr Kieran Power
Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgeon
Royal Marsden Hospital
'Breast reconstruction is the light at the end of the tunnel for many breast cancer patients. We will continue to advocate and fight for breast reconstruction, in these difficult times'
Mr Marios Tasoulis
Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon.
Royal Marsden Hospital.
'We need to work with our patients, for our patients. Only working as a team we will conquer cancer'
Miss Melissa Tan
Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon.
Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust
'Despite the pandemic, personalised cancer treatment should be available to all, across the country and we should get it right first time...''
Dr Effrosyni Panopoulou
Consultant Breast Surgeon.
Hippokrateion Hospital, Athens Greece
‘Cancer is a word, not a sentence. Fight the fight!'
Mr Aadil Khan
Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgeon
Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer research.
'By focusing on world leading cancer research, we can beat cancer together. Let’s all light up 2021, for all our cancer patients and survivors'
Mr Senthurun (Seni) Mylvaganam
Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
'COVID has led me to really reflect on what it is to be kind, to being kinder and looking out for others. We have all faced our challenges in this COVID world, but we are not alone and we are definitely so much stronger together'
Miss Ciara McGoldrick
Consultant Plastic and Breast Oncology Microsurgeon.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
'We are backing our patients in 2021 to strive through their cancer journey and emerge better than ever!'
Mr Ash Soni
Microsurgical Reconstructive Fellow.
Royal Marsden Hospital
'You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. It is a true honour to take care of cancer patients in our daily lives.'
Share your stories
#DONTMASKTHELIGHT