The annual Dimes for Dezy fundraiser held at Cherokee Street Elementary raised a total of $1,279 for those struggling with cancer.

The Dezy Strong Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Matthew “Dezy” DiStefano, who was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in February of 2019 and passed away in January of 2020. Dezy was a Sachem High School North alumni, teacher and coach whose family lives in the Connetquot Central School District.

This year, to promote a little friendly competition and motivation, Cherokee Street used a “house system” to collect donations. Each student and staff member were placed in a house to promote a sense of community across grade levels. The houses included “unity”, “dreamers”, “kindness”, “friendship”, “uplifters” and “courage”.

With the help of faculty members Mrs. Passero and Mrs. Campanella, Dezy’s son, Giovanni DiStefano, a student at Cherokee Street Elementary, ran the fundraiser to continue the work of his father.

Dezy’s mantra of, “we get to” lives on in the school building and beyond, helping to build positivity with a focus on gratitude in everyday life. Each year on Dezy Day, students watch a video, explaining the meaning of the day, and fill out paper ribbons, completing the phrase, “We get to”. This officially kicks off the two-week fundraiser run by Giovanni DiStefano and Mrs. Campanella.

Date Added: 1/3/2025