Senate Resolution No. 557

BY: Senator WEBB

COMMEMORATING the seventh annual Sock Out Cancer
Day on June 4, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is moved to commemorate
the seventh annual Sock Out Cancer Day on June 4, 2023, in conjunction
with the observance of National Cancer Survivors Day, in solidarity with
all New York State residents and family members fighting cancer; and

WHEREAS, These endeavors during 2022 included three Sock Out Cancer
benefit concerts featuring Fran Cosmo, former vocalist of Boston and
Steve Augeri, former vocalist of Journey - in conjunction with the
Philip Myers Band creating this special concert to be presented by Sock
Out Cancer; these concerts were performed on October 20, 2022, in
Syracuse, New York; October 21, 2022, in Binghamton, New York; and
October 22, 2022, in Albany, New York; for each concert, numerous cancer
patients and their families were presented with complimentary tickets to
provide for a much-needed respite from their daily routines; all net
proceeds raised from the concerts were distributed the evening of the
event to the local hospital foundations; and

WHEREAS, In furtherance of the cause, events in 2022 included Sock
Out Cancer Awareness Day at the Binghamton Black Bears hockey game,
March 5, 2022; Sock Out Cancer Awareness Day at the Binghamton Rumble
Ponies baseball game, June 5, 2022; Sock Out Cancer Day at the
Binghamton Spiedie Fest event, August 5, 2022; Birdies for Cancer at the
Dick's Sporting Goods Open, August 19, 2022; and the Broome Oncology 5K
Run/Walk on September 11, 2022; during the 2022 school year, the Diocese
of Syracuse arranged within the affiliated Catholic Schools to raise
money through Sock Out Cancer sock sales to support children with cancer
at Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse, New York; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, in February 2023, Sock Out Cancer was
notified that it was selected as the 2022 PGA Tour Champion Charity of
the Year, as a result, additional dollars will be contributed to match
the Birdies for Cancer program that ran during the 2022 Dick's Open;
these dollars will also be distributed to the two local hospital
foundations in Binghamton, New York; and

WHEREAS, Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York and many
other individuals and organizations throughout the state, and beyond,
have shown their caring and commitment over the past six years by
helping to sponsor these events and raise over $1.32 million for the
benefit of financially distressed cancer patients being treated in
Binghamton, Syracuse, Albany, New York City, and throughout the state;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, events are being planned for 2023 in various
locations throughout the state; these events will help provide financial

support of Sock Out Cancer's mission to help financially distressed
cancer patients throughout the state with non-medical needs such as
food, housing, transportation to treatment, etc., thus enabling the
patients to put additional energy into fighting cancer; and

WHEREAS, These concerts and other Sock Out Cancer initiatives are
designed to serve as a blueprint for individuals and health service
organizations in other regions of New York State and beyond to begin
instituting programs benefiting cancer patients needing assistance
within their own home communities; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the state, citizens help support the program and
show solidarity with their friends and family members fighting cancer by
purchasing and wearing Sock Out Cancer's signature multi-colored socks
representing the more than 20 different types of cancer; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the seventh annual Sock Out Cancer Day in conjunction with
National Cancer Survivors Day on June 4, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Bruce W. Boyea, Chairman of the Board, and Kirk R.
Gravely, President & CEO of Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of
New York.