Students Rally Support for Sharon High School Senior Battling Leukemia

Dustin Liang, a 17-year-old high Sharon High School student diagnosed with Leukemia in early 2023, participated in many activities a regular high schooler might enjoy: swimming, playing chess, and running his nature club. But right now, he has given up those hobbies as he fights for his life.

Dustin’s friends have rallied to show they are fighting with him. Most importantly, they are working hard to raise money for Dana-Farber to make Dustin’s wish come true: no other kids should have to endure what Dustin is experiencing.

Founded by Sharon teens, DustinStrong has raised awareness about childhood cancer, organized a blood drive, raised money through Dustin’s swim club, and is hosting this October 14th event. Supporters include the Bluefish Swim Club and the Sharon High School Class of 2024.

Amine Bentahar, a sophomore, founded the group and has spent countless hours rallying the community, planning events, and communicating with organizations to arrange permission for each event: “Dustin is only a high schooler. He’s just a normal kid, and out of the blue he was struck with cancer. He can’t engage in any of the normal activities he used to and can’t have a normal senior year experience. And I don’t want that to happen to other children. Since starting this organization, I have learned a lot of new leadership skills and how to create/organize a cohesive team. Most importantly, I have witnessed Dustin’s strength throughout this whole process, and he inspires me to keep going. His perseverance is something that I think we can all learn from.”

Amine founded the committee with many student leaders at the high school, including SHS Class of '24 President Jack Maron: “When Dustin was diagnosed, everyone I knew was devastated. Seeing Dustin's close friends come together to create the Dustin Strong Foundation was incredibly touching--especially because Dustin would've done the same. Dustin is an incredibly hard working, smart, funny kid who has always had his friends back. It is so important for the community to rally for Dustin and get involved in his organization as he needs our support more than anything. Please consider donating and participating in the upcoming 5k run.”

Amine and Jack hope that on October 14, 2023, students and community members show support for Dustin’s brave struggle as we raise awareness of the need to conquer childhood cancer. Community supporters have offered help cover expenses for the event to ensure all the money raised goes directly to Dana-Farber. The committee is so grateful to Field Martial Arts Academy, Insight3D, and Sharon High School.
Visit Dustinstrong.us to learn more about our past events.