On Friday, October 2, West Morris Mendham High School students had the opportunity to hear from award-winning journalist and author Jonathan Gluck during a virtual lunch presentation organized by the Mendham Relay for Life team. The event was made possible through the leadership and initiative of Relay for Life students, with special recognition to student leader Gemma Hong for helping invite and secure Mr. Gluck as a guest speaker.
Mr. Gluck, who has worked as an editor for publications including New York Magazine, Vogue, and Fast Company, is the author of An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope. His memoir shares his more than two-decade journey living with multiple myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer. Diagnosed at age 38, shortly after becoming a father, Mr. Gluck’s story explores not only the medical challenges of cancer, but also the emotional impact of uncertainty, perseverance, and finding meaning through difficult circumstances.
During his presentation, Mr. Gluck spoke candidly with students about resilience and the many ways cancer affects not only the individual diagnosed, but the entire family unit. He shared reflections on balancing treatment, work, parenting, and everyday life while navigating uncertainty. His message encouraged students to recognize that resilience is not about avoiding challenges. It is about finding ways to move forward, adapt, and continue living with purpose.
The presentation connected closely with Mendham’s ongoing focus on building resilience within our school community. Students left with a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy, compassion, perseverance, and supporting one another through life’s challenges.
We are grateful to Mr. Gluck for sharing his powerful story and to our Relay for Life students for creating this meaningful opportunity for the Mendham
community.
