The Gary Strong Award’s Inception
When Paityn fell ill, Strus’ foundation had already made plans to establish a new annual accolade at camp — the Gary Strong Award, in memory of Wimmer’s late father. This award would honor a young individual who demonstrated extraordinary resilience during their illness.
Connecting with Paityn
Shortly after, Paityn’s story was featured on local news, catching the attention of the foundation’s board members. Strus mentioned that it was probably his parents who first suggested her name. Maggie reached out to Reggie through social media.
Recognition at the Basketball Camp
That summer, at Strus’ basketball camp in the Chicago suburbs, which included participants like Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson and fellow players, Paityn and her family gathered at the front of the gym as campers settled down. Sandy Castillo reminisced, “Max walked up… he dabs them up… ‘Maximus!’”
Presenting the Award
Strus called Paityn forward and announced her as the first-ever recipient of the Gary Strong Award. She received a check for $10,000 to assist with medical expenses incurred from her six weeks in intensive care and several months of rehabilitation.
A Continuing Relationship
The bond between Strus and the Castillo family blossomed. When Paityn returned to volleyball, which doctors had doubted she’d pursue again, Strus attended one of her games. Although he was home rehabbing from his own injury, he cheered her on, creating a heartwarming connection without any media attention.
Dylan Long’s Battle with Cancer
On December 23, 2024, Dylan Long, a 15-year-old pitcher and third baseman, received shocking news: he had Stage 2A Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After starting chemotherapy in January, Dylan managed his treatment schedule while trying to keep his school routine intact.
A Shared Experience
On the same day Paityn received her award, Dylan also accepted a $10,000 check from the Strus foundation to assist with his medical bills. For his mother, Gina, it was more about the compassionate outreach than the financial aid. The Strus family upheld connections by providing support and encouragement throughout Dylan’s treatment.
Empowering Mental Health Initiatives
During a visit to Chicago’s west side, Strus and his companions met with teenage students involved in a mental health nonprofit, No Shame On U. The foundation’s grant allowed the organization to broaden its reach in local schools, providing critical workshops on anxiety and depression. Strus expressed genuine interest in understanding the impact of their contributions, demonstrating a commitment to community well-being.
