Students at Fontbonne Academy rally for a beloved teacher battling cancer

MILTON, Mass. — Wednesday was a day of giving at Fontbonne Academy. Students and staff at the all-girls high school in Milton rolled up their sleeves to give blood in honor of a beloved teacher who has given them so much.

“Miss Gaz is a huge part of our community she is such a wonderful and beautiful, kindhearted soul,” said Abigail Duhamel, a senior at Fontbonne.

Cindy Gadziala, or Miss Gaz as she’s known, has taught at Fontbonne for 32 years. She now chairs the Theology Department.

“She’s just a warm and welcoming person to everybody and I think her faith is so strong and she really communicates that to her students and helps them grow in their faith as well,” said Fiona McDonald, a senior at Fontbonne.

In the fall of 2019, Ms. Gadziala was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She returned to teaching this school year but has since taken a medical leave of absence.

To honor Ms. Gadziala, the school hosted a blood drive to help cancer patients, like her, who are battling the disease.

“I’m so lucky to have her in my life and I would do anything for her and this is just one small way I can give back – and I know she would do it for anyone of her students,” said Janine Winters, director of fine arts at Fontbonne. Winters is a graduate of Fontbonne and had Ms. Gadziala while she was a student there.

Ms. Gadziala couldn’t attend the blood drive because of Covid-19 restrictions but had a special message while undergoing treatment.

“I’m so thankful for you doing this blood drive today. It’s going to benefit so many people here at Dana-Farber, who are just like me, here getting chemotherapy and blood transfusions. I’m so humbled that you are doing this,” she said.

For a teacher who has inspired so many young women, these young women are rallying behind her. They even created this special quilt filled with inspirational messages from each of Ms. Gadziala’s seniors. The staff also had a message for their dear friend.

“Cindy, we just wish you the best and want you to get well and we’re all thinking of you and praying for you,” said Carol Fortier, a music teacher at Fontbonne.

Ms. Gadziala is so loved by the Fontbonne community that all 40 slots filled up with donors within minutes.

Cox Media Group