Assembly Resolution No. 982

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

COMMEMORATING the tenth annual Sock Out Cancer Day
on June 7, 2026, 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 tenth annual Sock Out Cancer Day on June 7, 2026, 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 2025 included one Sock Out Cancer
benefit concert on October 17, 2025, in Binghamton, New York, titled
"The Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones: A Tribute to These Two Iconic
Bands," performed by the Philip Myers Band, including Alyssa Crosby as
seen on "The Voice;" numerous cancer patients and their families were
presented with complimentary tickets to provide for a much-needed
respite from their daily routines, and all net proceeds raised from the
concert were distributed the evening of the event to local hospital
foundations in Binghamton and Syracuse, New York; and

WHEREAS, In furtherance of Sock Out Cancer's mission, events held in
2025 included Sock Out Cancer Night at the Binghamton Black Bears hockey
game, March 14, 2025; Sock Out Cancer Day at the Binghamton Rumble
Ponies baseball game, June 8, 2025; Birdies for Cancer/Sock Out Cancer
Awareness Day at the Dick's Sporting Goods Open, July 11, 2025; and the
Broome Oncology 5K Run/Walk on September 7, 2025, where the net proceeds
raised were distributed to local hospital foundations as well as 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 care and commitment over the past eight years by
helping to sponsor these events and raise over $2.08 million for the
benefit of financially distressed cancer patients receiving treatment in
Binghamton, Syracuse, Albany, New York City, and throughout the state;
and

WHEREAS, In furtherance of the cause, events are being planned for
2026 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, Sock Out Cancer, LLC has entered into an agreement with
Finger Lakes Textiles, a division of Mozaic, which is a member of the
Arc New York, whose workforce includes individuals with varying
abilities, to manufacture the Sock Out Cancer socks in Waterloo, New
York; after installation and training, sock manufacturing formally began
in the first quarter of 2026; 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 tenth annual Sock Out Cancer Day in conjunction with
National Cancer Survivors Day on June 7, 2026; and be it further

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