By Daniel Ge, Class of ’27 — Staff Reporter

Dustin Strong, a cancer-related fundraising program, has organized a second 5K/Fun Run, which will take place at the SHS track on March 30 (rain date: March 31). A well-designed T-shirt will be awarded to the fastest runner.

Dustin Strong was founded by SHS sophomore Amine Bentahar to help Dustin Liang, a senior, in his battle with leukemia. All money and blood donated are sent to cancer institutes such as Dana Farber to help patients like Dustin in their battle with cancer. The run will provide another opportunity to raise money and to help those in need, as well as a fun, sociable experience for athletes and students alike.

Bentahar said, “I started Dustin Strong as I saw the struggles Dustin and his family were going through and I felt that no other person or family should go through a similar fate.”

“I worked closely with his father to establish the organization and set up events,” Amine added.

Amine continues to explain the organization’s recent events. “Our first was a blood drive which was pretty successful and we also helped promote a Swim Across America event. The next one we did was a 5K-Fun Run event at the SHS track and we had a lot of donations and participants,” he said.

The run is also an important part for community members. Sophomore Julian Hoemke explained the benefits of joining the run: “The 5k is a great chance to show up for the Community. It’s free, and it shows everyone’s support for a fellow Sharon student while having fun with friends at the same time.”

Participating in Dustin Strong has also brought purpose and happiness to students’ lives. Sophomore Siddharth Chintala said, “The Dustin Strong group . . . works to raise funds and show support for one of our own SHS seniors, Dustin Liang. We are organizing a 5K fun run this year to show Dustin our support, and we invite everyone who can attend to join us.” 

Let’s use the strong community bonds that have been cultivated in Sharon to show Dustin our full support. To make a donation, please visit this Dana-Farber Cancer Institute link.