On Tuesday, the New York State Assembly and Senate passed a resolution to proclaim Sock Out Cancer Day in the state of New York in conjunction with the observation of National Cancer Survivors Day. Sock Out Cancer is a community effort to benefit families of those battling cancer through a community partnership with the foundations of Lourdes Hospital and United Health Services.

To show support and help spread awareness on Sock Out Cancer Day, members of the New York State Senate and Assembly showed their support by wearing multi-colored socks, with each color representing the various forms of cancer diagnoses.

Sock Out Cancer supports cancer survivors, patients, and families by recognizing the emotional, mental, and financial burden that is put on families touched by cancer. This initiative provides individuals with non-medical financial assistance for living expenses such as rent or mortgages, groceries, transportation, and much more to help ease the everyday struggles. In an effort to engage the community, individuals can show their support and help spread awareness by purchasing multi-colored socks.

“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and the physical, emotional, and financial strain this disease can place on those battling it,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo. “I’m proud to work with Senator Akshar and all our community partners to do our part to help ease the burden cancer places on families across the state. We are challenging our colleagues in legislatures across the country to bring this campaign to their communities as well.”

“I'm proud to represent a community that shows generosity, compassion, and endless support to those in need,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “Assemblywoman Lupardo and I are challenging state legislatures across the country to get involved and partner with their communities to help out the families of cancer survivors.”

Studies have shown that approximately 39.6% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes. National expenditures for cancer care in the U.S currently cost approximately $125 billion and are projected to increase to $158 billion by 2020 (The National Cancer Institute).

A non-profit created by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company President and CEO Bruce Boyea, Sock Out Cancer plans to continue partnering with existing charitable organizations to support cancer patients and their families in their time of financial need. Those charitable organizations will receive grants to support and develop programs that identify and support financially distressed families that are fighting cancer. Additional community events are being planned to raise funds and awareness, and the net proceeds from the sale of Sock Out Cancer merchandise will be used to support cancer families.

“We are honored and thankful to the Assembly and the Senate for declaring June 6th “Sock Out Cancer Day” in New York State,” said President and CEO of Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Bruce Boyea. “Nationally, June 4th was “Cancer Survivor Day”, so this is another opportunity in our state for us to increase the awareness of the various forms of cancer and the many challenges faced by cancer patients and their families. The net proceeds from Sock Out Cancer are utilized to support individuals with cancer that also have basic financial needs like, rent or mortgage, food and transportation to and from the hospital, simply as examples.”

“On behalf of the Senate and the Assembly, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Boyea family, Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Chemung Canal Trust Company, Visions Federal Credit Union, and all our community partners for the time and effort that is spent helping those in need,” said Senator Fred Akshar and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. “Let’s continue to work together as we Sock Out Cancer.”