Assembly Resolution No. 879

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

COMMEMORATING the eighth annual Sock Out Cancer
Day on June 2, 2024, in conjunction with the
observance of National Cancer Survivors Day

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 eighth annual Sock Out Cancer Day on June 2, 2024, in conjunction
with the observance of National Cancer Survivors Day, in solidarity with
all New York State residents and their families fighting cancer; and

WHEREAS, These endeavors during 2023 included two Sock Out Cancer
benefit concerts featuring Fran Cosmo, former vocalist of Boston and
John Elefante, former vocalist of Kansas - in conjunction with the
Philip Myers Band created this special concert to be presented by Sock
Out Cancer. These concerts were performed on October 20, 2023 in
Binghamton, NY; October 21, 2023 in Syracuse, NY. 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 2023 included Sock
Out Cancer Awareness Day at the Binghamton Black Bears hockey game,
March 31, 2023; Sock Out Cancer Awareness Day at the Binghamton Rumble
Ponies baseball game, June 4, 2023; Birdies for Cancer at the Dick's
Sporting Goods Open, June 24, 2023; and the Broome Oncology 5K Run/Walk
on September 17, 2023 where the net proceeds raised were distributed to
the local hospital foundations and Mercy House of the Southern Tier
(Community Care Shelter for Terminally Ill Patients); 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 seven years by
helping to sponsor these events and raise over $1.58 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 furtherance of the cause, events are being planned for
2024 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 eighth annual Sock Out Cancer Day, in conjunction with
National Cancer Survivors Day on June 2, 2024; 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.