The Connetquot High School girls volleyball team faced off against Sachem High School North during their annual Dezy Strong match. Through concessions, contests and a raffle, the event raised $1,500 for the Dezy Strong Foundation.
Matthew “Dezy” DiStefano was a Sachem High School North alumni, teacher and coach whose family lives in the Connetquot Central School District. In February 2018, Dezy was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer. Since that time, he dedicated himself to conquering the disease, while at the same time, creating the Dezy Strong Foundation to help support others affected by cancer. In fall 2019, the Connetquot girls volleyball team held their first Dezy Strong match in support.
The Dezy Strong match has become an annual tradition to help raise money and bring awareness to the Dezy Strong Foundation’s mission. Dezy created the foundation to provide the opportunity for individuals who are fighting cancer to have access to support that affects a positive mental well-being.
While Dezy passed away in January 2020, his message lives on. His mantra of, “We get to” helps build positivity with a focus on gratitude in everyday life. His mentality of “strong mind, strong body” continues to emphasize the importance of a positive mindset and a healthy approach to living for everyone in the Connetquot and Sachem school communities.
Photo caption: The Connetquot High School girls volleyball team raised $1,500 during their game against Sachem High School North in support of the Dezy Strong Foundation.
Photo courtesy of Connetquot Central School District
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