Students Host Second 5K Fun Run for SHS Senior Battling Leukemia

Sharon High School students are hosting a second 5K Run Run to support Dustin Liang, an 18-year-old high Sharon High School student diagnosed with Leukemia in early 2023 who participated in many activities his high school peers enjoy: swimming, playing chess, and running his nature club. For now, he has put those hobbies aside as he focuses on treatments while finishing his final classes to graduate in June with his class.

Dustin’s friends 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. The Fall Fun Run was a huge success with support from local police, teachers, students, and parents, and organizers hope to see another enthusiastic event. Cops for Cancer raised awareness for the event and showed amazing support for Dustin's family.

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 second Fun Run. DustinStrong Supporters include the Bluefish Swim Club, Sharon High School Class of 2024, Field Martial Arts Academy, Insight3D, and Sharon High School Administration.

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: "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 finds inspiration from his friend and guides others to make more impact.

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 March 30, 2024, students and community members show support for Dustin’s brave struggle as we raise awareness of the need to conquer childhood cancer.

SHS Student Council has partnered with DustinStrong to host a March 22nd Blood Drive at Sharon High School to raise awareness of the life-saving impact people can make through blood donation.

Visit Dustinstrong.us to learn more about our past events, to learn more about this amazing young man, or to register for the 5K Fun Run. Donations to Dana-Farber can be made at the link as well. Contact ljolicoeur@sharonschools.net for more information.