The DezyStrong Foundation has pledged $500,000 toward cancer treatment at Huntington Hospital.
Founded by the late Matthew “Dezy” DiStefano, the organization says it provides “opportunities for individuals with cancer to have access to experiences that directly affect a positive mental well-being.”
The $500,000 gift pledged over five years will name the five-bay Infusion Suite “The DezyStrong Foundation Infusion Suite” within the Don Monti Cancer Unit at Huntington Hospital. The Infusion Suite treats 90-150 patients each month and provides a safe health care home for those in need of chemotherapy, IV antibiotics and other types of infusions.
“My family and I are extremely proud to support the board of my husband’s foundation in their decision to partner with and make such a generous donation to Huntington Hospital,” said Jennifer DiStefano, wife of the late DezyStrong founder. “This donation will give this great hospital the ability to continue to help others in the spirit of strong mind and strong body. The hospital’s willingness to allow the foundation to become involved in not only the naming of the infusion suite but to be able to interact with the patients and caretakers is exactly the type of relationship that my husband would be proud to have his name associated with.”
The foundation also supports Northwell’s seven-year, $1 billion Outpacing the Impossible fundraising campaign, which supports capital projects, improves hospitals and clinical programs, advances research and funds endowment for teaching and research initiatives.
“The Infusion Suite also helps those who are uninsured or underinsured,” said Nick Fitterman, MD, executive director of Huntington Hospital. “This generous donation will help Huntington Hospital continue to provide state-of-the-art health care to its patients, while also honoring Matthew’s memory.”