Port Jefferson Schools Raise Funds For DezyStrong Foundation

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — The Port Jefferson School District recently hosted PJ Madness, a basketball tournament for students and teachers, organized by Earl L. Vandermeulen High School science teacher Charles Hafner. The event raised thousands of dollars for the DezyStrong Foundation, which is devoted to helping people with cancer, according to the Port Jefferson School District. Along with friendly competition, a message of strength and inspiration grew from the event.

Hafner shared the story of Matthew DiStefano, a Suffolk County teacher who recently succumbed to kidney cancer and whose spirit and message of "We Get To" was shared throughout the district. Port Jefferson Middle School teachers Deirdre Filippi and Jeannette Garofola took the message to their colleagues and students. Overall, $5,368 in proceeds of the tournament, T-shirts and other donations was donated to DiStefano's namesake organization. The nonprofit helps support and encourage those living with a life-threatening disease.

"It is heartwarming when a school community comes together to support an initiative of this caliber," Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan said. "It not only shows the character of our staff and students, it reinforces Mr. DiStefano’s message of living each day to the fullest."

DiStefano, who died in January at the age of 42, was a Sachem High School North teacher and volleyball coach.