 
Senate Resolution No. 3353
 
BY: Senator FUNKE
 
        COMMENDING  Gary  Mervis  upon the occasion of his
        designation as recipient of  a  Liberty  Medal,  the
        highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
        York State Senate
 
  WHEREAS,  It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those individuals within the Empire State who  have  made
strong contributions to their communities and who inspire others through
their model citizenry; and
 
  WHEREAS, Gary Mervis has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
 
  WHEREAS,  This  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud to commend Gary
Mervis upon the occasion of his designation as recipient  of  a  Liberty
Medal,  the  highest  honor  bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and
 
  WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established  by
Resolution  and  is  awarded  to  individuals  who  have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf  of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Growing  up  in  a  modest  city neighborhood, Gary Mervis
overcame much adversity, including a  life  altering  car  accident,  to
become a teacher and coach before moving on to work in state government;
regardless  of  the circumstances he always challenged himself to excel;
and
 
  WHEREAS, In 1979, Gary Mervis lost his  daughter  Elizabeth  "Teddy"
Mervis  to  cancer  at  the  age  of  12; he was determined to turn this
personal tragedy into something positive; and
 
  WHEREAS, After witnessing other children who  needed  a  measure  of
normal   activity  in  their  lives  while  undergoing  treatment,  this
extraordinary man was instrumental  in  developing  a  summer  camp  for
children  with  cancer;  volunteers  from  across  the community rallied
behind his tenacious work ethic to build the facility, Camp  Good  Days,
on Keuka Lake; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Since  its inception, Camp Good Days has expanded its free
services to include weeks for children with sickle cell anemia, children
who have experienced violence and women going through breast cancer,  as
well  as  a  week  for  men  with  prostate cancer; additionally, during
international week, children arrive from all over the world; and
 
  WHEREAS, Truly devoting his life's work  to  bringing  awareness  to
families  fighting cancer, Gary Mervis has had an immeasurable impact on
his community and has enriched  the  lives  of  countless  children  and
adults; and
 
  WHEREAS, Gary Mervis has earned the respect of his peers through his
steadfast  and  unwavering  leadership,  dedication  and  commitment  to
serving those with cancer and other life challenges; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Rare  indeed  is  the  impressive  dedication  shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which  Gary  Mervis  has  displayed
throughout his life; and
 
  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  sense  of  this  Legislative  Body  that when
individuals 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
commend Gary Mervis upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
a  Liberty  Medal,  the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further
 
  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Gary Mervis.
Gary Mervis - Liberty Medal

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