The boys basketball programs at Sachem HS East and North honored the memory and legacy of Matt “Dezy” DiStefano during their regular season matchup on Feb. 8. The teams both wore DezyStrong apparel to raise awareness for the DezyStrong Foundation.

The foundation was formed in 2019 and provides opportunities for individuals with cancer to have access to experiences that directly impact a positive mental wellbeing. Dezy was a Sachem graduate, teacher and coach who left a lasting legacy with his foundation when he passed in Jan. 2020.

In the words of Dezy:

“When people find out they have cancer, they think their life is over. For me it's different. For me it's the beginning of something special in life. A life in which I can help others change their way of mentally approaching the disease, learning to be a warrior, a fighter, and have hope. I prefer to say that I am going to conquer this disease. I will control it, rather than have it control me. This is why I founded the DezyStrong Foundation. To help others stay positive, control their mindset, and most of all - keep grinding DezyStrong style!”

Date Added: 2/15/2023