The Sachem community has long been known as a tight nit group, always willing to help when one of its own is in need. Last Friday was no exception as the community turned out in large numbers to support Paul DiIorio, a Sachem alum who is battling cancer.
DiIorio is a 2008 graduate of Sachem High East and was one of the finest wrestlers to compete for Sachem East. Soon after hearing of DiIorio’s diagnosis, former Sachem East Takedown Club President Regina O’Malley planned the Sachem Takes Down Cancer event to support DiIorio and his family through this difficult time. The event, held last at the Holtsville Fire Department was a huge success.
“The community support was overwhelming, the event sold out a week in advance as nearly two hundred people packed the room to its capacity to show their support for Paul,” said Sachem East wrestling coach Sean O’Hara.
Sal Cusamano, owner of Momo’s Bar and Grill in Holbrook, N.Y., generously donated all the food and drink for the evening. Cusamano, a former wrestling county champion for Deer Park High School, who is a current Sachem resident and a volunteer with the Sachem Kid Wrestling program, was happy to help out.
“We can’t thank Momo’s enough, it is quite a donation to supply dinner and drinks for a crowd of that size,” said O’Malley. “Sal and the staff at Momo’s made the donation without hesitation and we are very grateful.”
The event also consisted of a Chinese auction with generous donations from numerous community businesses. Sachem North teacher and coach Anthony Falco donated his DJ services and made it a memorable night.
“The support from the community was just outstanding,” the Sachem East coaching staff said in a statement. “Paul is a tremendous young man, and if you know him you love him. The room wasn’t just full of people it was full of love and support. Seeing Paul smile and enjoy himself made it a very special night! Our thanks goes out to all those who attended and donated to help us support Paul and his family. As Paul and his family go through the treatment process we are happy to let them know they have our support and we will be there every step of the way.”
