Westport Family Business Raises Thousands to Honor Son’s Legacy

Some families honor their loved ones quietly.

The Sarmento family chooses to honor theirs by showing up, giving back, and turning grief into something that helps others heal.

Known as “Dylan’s Vikings,” the Sarmento family once again laced up their running shoes in honor of Dylan Sarmento, whose life was tragically cut short at just 26 years old. On January 9, 2026, the family took part in the Walt Disney World 10K, running not just for miles, but for meaning.

Running for a Reason

The race unfolded in Walt Disney World, led by Chip ’n Dale, as Manny Sarmento, owner of Prestige Auto Mart on Route 6 in Westport, cheered on his wife Michelle, daughter Sasha, and daughter-in-law Cassandra as they ran in Dylan’s memory.

It was a powerful moment for a family that has turned unimaginable loss into purposeful action.

Remembering Dylan Sarmento

Sadly, Dylan passed away on April 9, 2024, at Rhode Island Hospital following complications from lymphoma. He was the car sales manager at Prestige Auto Mart, proudly following in his father’s footsteps while working tirelessly for his wife and young son. His presence is still deeply felt – not just within his family, but throughout the SouthCoast community for those who knew him.

Turning Loss Into Lifesaving Impact

This year’s memorial run raised more than $16,000 for blood cancer research, continuing a mission that has become deeply personal for the Sarmento family.

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“I would like to thank everyone that donated to my son Dylan Sarmento’s memorial run,” Manny Sarmento shared. “We raised over $16,000 for blood cancer research. As most of you know, my son Dylan passed away at the age of 26 from complications of lymphoma, so this event is something we do every year and is very dear to our family as we honor the short but beautiful life of my son Dylan.

"Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. We all miss you, Dylan," he said.

A Family’s Promise to Never Forget

Michelle Sarmento echoed that sentiment with a message filled with love and resolve.

“Our family will continue to keep your memory alive,” she said. “We miss and love you so, so much. I hope we made you proud. I will ALWAYS make sure you’re never forgotten. I miss and love you more than you could ever know.”

Dylan’s wife Cassandra added simply, but powerfully, “I’ll love you for a lifetime, Dylan. You will never be forgotten by us.”

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Giving Back, Year After Year

This marks the second consecutive year the Sarmento family has raised money in Dylan’s honor. Last year, they raised nearly $20,000 for Blood Cancer United, and Prestige Auto Mart once again stepped up by matching every donation, up to $50, reinforcing that this mission extends beyond family and into the heart of their business values.

A Legacy That Lives On

Not a day goes by that Dylan’s memory fades, but through these runs, these donations, and this unwavering commitment to helping others, his legacy continues to grow. It’s a reminder that even in heartbreak, there is still room for hope – and that doing good can be one of the most powerful ways to remember someone gone too soon.

Through every step taken and every dollar raised, Dylan Sarmento’s name continues to stand for love, resilience, and giving back – a legacy that the Sarmento family and Prestige Auto Mart are determined to carry forward, year after year.