By Brenda Alisii
Founder of Camp Good Days talks about his mission to offer free camping to kids battling cancer
Gary Mervis has a philosophy that life’s most important dates: are the day one is born and the day one finds life’s purpose.
For Mervis, a Pittsford resident, his purpose crystallized when his youngest daughter, Elizabeth, called “Teddi,” was diagnosed at age 9 with a malignant brain tumor. Three years and many surgeries and treatments later, Teddi lost her battle to the disease.
Mervis cited loneliness as his daughter’s biggest challenge, realizing she was the only child in her elementary school dealing with a deadly disease. That sad chapter in his family’s life motivated Mervis to create a safe haven for kids and in 1982 Camp Good Days was born.
The purpose? To provide kids with cancer and other life challenges the opportunity to come together in a residential camping experience to be with the only ones who could truly understand what they were going through: other ill children. Currently, campers range from children to even adults battling diseases.
In Good Health spoke with Mervis about his enduring legacy and how his daughter continues to influence his life to this day.
Q. At the time of Teddi’s diagnosis, you were working for the New York State Assembly and coaching football at St. John Fisher University. How did your life change during that terrible time?
A. My daughter’s illness and death put me on a new path. I had spent 23 years as a staff member in the State Assembly, but even though it’s usually the mom who becomes the primary caregiver in situations like this, I decided to take a leave of absence. Never in my wildest imagination did I think I’d find myself waiting for my daughter to come out of surgery, a seven-and-a half craniotomy followed by weeks of radiation and chemo. It gave me a reason to find a vehicle to help others.
Q. How did you take that first step for such a massive undertaking?
A. At the time, there were no computers, cell phones, none of the technology we have today. One morning, we were watching the “Today“ Show and they had a story about ill children going on nature hikes and enjoying time swimming and having fun. I wanted Teddi to have that opportunity, so I called the “Today” show, talked to a reporter, who referred me to a pediatric oncologist in Michigan. I was able to track him down and he explained that this camp activity was rare and a new concept. There was nothing like this in Western New York. I was able to contact people I knew from my job in state government along with two hospital administrators, who learned of hundreds of children with cancer. Camp Good Days opened in 1979 and Teddi passed away in 1982. She went to two camps. She was my inspiration and the camp is my memorial to her.
Q. Who does Camp Good Days help and what is your primary area of service?
A. We are located in Branchport, on the shores of Keuka Lake and across from the state park. Most of our campers come from Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Utica, but we’ve had children attend from 36 different countries experience the magic of Camp Good Days.
Q. What is the cost to attend?
A. It is free! Despite a lot of ups and downs over the years, we’ve been able to keep our heads above water financially. These kids and parents spend a lot of time in hospitals. I never want a family already struggling with a cancer stricken child to worry about money or worry about choosing between paying their mortgage versus sending their kid to camp. All programs have been free of charge since 1979.
Q. Can you use more volunteer help?
A. Yes, volunteers are our biggest need right now. Please call for information on volunteering at 1-800-785-2135 or at our website: www.campgooddays.org.