Spotlight on Jordan Nick
Eighth grader tips his caps to courageous cancer patients.
As Jordan Nick watched his father battle liver cancer,
he saw the physical toll chemotherapy can take on the
human body. When his father eventually succumbed to
the disease last year, Jordan, an 8th grader at H.C.
Crittenden Middle School in Armonk, New York, looked
for a unique way to raise cancer patients’ spirits
during their treatments. He came across an organization
called Caps for Kids, which provides caps for young
cancer patients who are losing their hair. Jordan got
involved by sending over 150 letters to friends and
family members seeking their support.
“Dear Family and Friends,” the letter
began. “In my life I have experienced the tragedy
of losing my father to cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer
of the liver. Over time, he started losing hair, his
eyes turned from white to yellow and he lost a great
deal of weight. I soon learned from support groups that
there are many kids like me. All of the people I have
known that have faced this tragedy know that the victim
is very insecure about how they look and how they feel.
“…I have decided to collect caps for kids
with cancer through an organization called Caps for
Kids. I am collecting new, non-mesh caps for kids who
could benefit from them. While these kids undergo chemotherapy,
bone-marrow and transplant treatment, children lose
their hair which makes them feel very different. Every
cap donated from the heart will help children focus
their strength on getting better and not on their appearance.
“I think these caps will give kids hope and boost
their spirits. I know my dad was thankful and appreciative
to others who reached out to him.”
To say that Jordan’s letter struck a chord would
be an understatement. In just five months, he collected
close to 600 new caps, which were recently donated to
cancer patients at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
of NewYork-Presbyterian (MSCHONY). Jordan chose MSCHONY
because his father, Andrew, received his chemotherapy
and other treatments at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia
under the care of Dr. Robert Fine.
“Jordan’s commitment to helping others during
a very difficult time is truly remarkable,” says
Dr. Fine, who attended the cap donation event. The impact
of Jordan’s donation was immediately felt, as
patients excitedly rummaged through piles of caps looking
for the perfect fit. Some chose caps personally autographed
by sports stars, while others picked out a favorite
color or style.
“Caps for Kids is fortunate to be aligned with
such an incredible young man,” says Lauren Clement,
Caps for Kids executive director. “Jordan has
become aware of the difficulties and tribulations that
surround cancer and has directed his efforts to lessening
the effects for his peers who have been diagnosed. When
good things come from our youth, the gift is truly something
to celebrate.”
Jordan hopes the example he has set will help others
realize that one person can make a difference for many.
He plans to continue his endeavor, making a difference
“one cap at a time.”
For more information on Caps for Kids, visit www.capsforkids.org.
To find out how to donate caps to Jordan, contact him
at jhoop7@optonline.net.
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