Words Just Don’t Cut It

This past summer, Sanae Gazdik, senior Jordan Gazdik’s mother was diagnosed with cancer that spread to her lungs, legs, eyes, liver, brain and back. This is Sanae’s second time being diagnosed, as she has survived breast cancer. After feeling weak, countless doctors appointments and tests confirmed that cancer spots were throughout her body.

A month after her diagnosis, Jordan Gazdik was ready to spread the news to friends. Among those was senior Ben Prock, who is a close friend of his.

“I was devastated,” Prock said. “I could not believe she had to go through [cancer] a second time. I, and the rest of Jordan’s many friends, will be there to support her and Jordan the whole way. We are praying for her recovery, and we believe she will make it.”

Sanae decided to shave her head so that her hair would not be patchy when undergoing chemotherapy. Jordan was also planning to shave his head in support of his mother and was shocked to find that many of his senior friends including AJ Hollis, Hunter Walsh, Hutch Hershberger, Ben Prock and many others were willing to shave their heads too. Students from Palos Verdes High School, who are friends with Jordan, were also willing to shave their heads in support.

“We all decided that we wanted to support our great friend and shave our hair to show our support to his mom and his family,” Walsh said.

Jordan planned a get-together where close friends and family were invited to shave their heads with his mother. Jordan said that the gathering was filled with love and joy. His mother was thankful that her son turned a potentially sad moment into a happy memory.

“I was in complete awe,” Jordan said. “I am so thankful to be friends with such selfless and loving people.”

Many seniors questioned their new look at first. However, after hearing the reason, they became very supportive of Gazdik and his family. Prock said that countless people have the Gazdik family on their minds and in their prayers.

“Even though it is a sad moment, I think it is cool how the entire senior class is bonding over the support of the Gazdik family,” Prock said. “We want him to know that we are here to support him and his family, and we are confident she will survive.”