Sayville Students Hold Fundraiser For Classmate With Cancer

A group of Sayville students and faculty organized a carwash fundraiser on Saturday for a fellow student who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

The students held the carwash at the Sayville Fire Department for Matt Zender, 16, who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his leg and will undergo 10 weeks of chemotherapy, surgery with a three-week recovery period, and an additional 2o to 30 weeks of chemo.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Zender, who is also a firefighter, and already has $43,145 of its $50,000 goal.

"Matt's parents will be facing extraordinary co-pays and bills, as insurance does not cover everything," the page said. "We want this family to be able to focus on themselves, their wonderful kids (Matt is a triplet), and not stress over incoming bills. Please know what a beautiful person Matt is. He is funny, kind and caring, full of energy and good to everyone around him. He is an epee fencer, boy scout and musician. Matt has been a Sayville Fire Cadet since 6th grade. He's a member of stage crew at Sayville High School. And, he's a remarkable student. Let's please get behind Matt and his family and show them all the support and love in the world."

"In typical fire service fashion, the members of SFD stepped up in support of the cause with assistance and donations, while managing to get a few of our rigs washed also," the department said on Facebook. "SFD would like to give special thanks to the Bohemia Fire Department, West Sayville Fire Department and Community Ambulance Company for their generous support."