Beloved LI Teacher Honored Posthumously With Humanitarian Award

LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY — Sachem High School North teacher and coach Matthew “Dezy” DiStefano, who died from a rare form of kidney cancer in 2020, has been honored with the New York State United Teachers Humanitarian Award.

DiStefano, who was a special education teacher and volleyball coach at his alma mater, was honored for creating the DezyStrong Foundation, which has raised thousands of dollars to pay for cancer treatments for patients and help their families.

The New York State United Teachers, which recognizes members who make significant humanitarian contributions to their communities, was asked to consider DiStefano by the Sachem Central Teachers Association, led by its president, Philip Barbera.

DiStefano’s "inspiring work galvanized" not only Sachem's community, but also "attracted the support of professional sports teams and numerous collegiate and high school athletic programs throughout the country," school officials said.

The DezyStrong Foundation Infusion Suite at Huntington Hospital was recently opened to help make patients "more comfortable while undergoing treatments," according to officials.