01/10/2023
On December 16th, 2022 dozens of people wore red in school to show support for senior Jordyn Zajac, suffering from Shwachman Diamond Syndrome.
SDS is a rare bone marrow failure disorder affecting majority of the body. During Jordyn’s childhood, she suffered from seizure disorder, was behind on fine motor skills, and patients diagnosed with SDS were not living long enough to get their licenses. Due to this, Jordyn has to get tested every year, going through a bone marrow biopsy surgery, while traveling to the closest doctors that will see Jordyn in Cincinnati, Ohio.
While this is routine for Jordyn and her family, the week of testings always give some fear. This year Jordyn’s mom, Kim Robbins, reached out to some of the closest people to Jordyn asking them to show support from home and give her some reassurance during the stressful week. “Something as simple as a paper cut could kill Jordyn… many,many times doctors told me Jordyn wouldn’t make it (to an age, to a milestone, etc). I learned quickly not to hope for a future. As sad as that sounds. I’ve always accepted each day as a blessing and a miracle. And here she is a senior in high school. She has defied the odds!” Robbins said.
Caption- Lily Ternak
Photo- Kim Robbins
