Sachem North’s Interact Club recently held a St. Baldrick’s event to raise money for cancer awareness and research while rallying behind a student who has been battling cancer for the last five years. 

The club organized a day of events that was full of laughter, silly competitions and positive energy. Dominick Strebel is an incredible young man, full of life and energy, an honors student, social, involved in athletics and an all-around awesome kid who tries his hardest and never complains. What most people don’t know is that every day he is battling cancer and has been in treatment all year.  

During the weeks leading up to the St. Baldrick’s event, he was having a particularly difficult time with his treatment and struggled to make it into school. A group of nine of his friends stayed after school each day to help plan the events and fundraiser.  

“Our only goal was to make the day fun and positive for all students, as that is how Dom handles his struggles day to day,” said Sachem North Interact Club adviser, Christy Zummo.

Dom came to the event accompanied by his mother, father, uncle and grandmother, who saw him honored at the event that was inspired by his spirit.  

“The boys and Dom ran all of the events, and we got as many students from the stands involved in the competitions as we could – blanket drag, potato sack races, dizzy hockey stick, tug-of-war – even ending with a gymnasium filled with kids doing the Cotton-eyed Joe and other line dances,” Zummo said. “The day was filled with positivity, laughter, and hilarity, and we accomplished the goal of making our friend feel supported, loved and very special. He is not alone and has an army of support behind him. It was inspiring to be a part of. It was an uplifting day for all involved.”

To make it even better, the event raised more than $8,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.