As we approach the anniversary of my beloved daughter Elizabeth "Teddi" Mervis's passing, I find myself reflecting even more about who she was, what she meant to me, and the lasting impact she continues to have. Teddi was only 9 years old when she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, and up until her passing on February 27, 1982, she faced her three-year battle with a resilience and spirit that was beyond her years. While I've met countless children with cancer who display the same resilience and spirit, Teddi's journey was one that changed my family's life forever and inspired the creation of Camp—a beautiful legacy that continues to touch countless lives.
When Teddi was diagnosed with cancer, there was no place where she could just be a kid, away from the hospital rooms and the endless treatments. That's why Camp Good Days was born—not out of a grand plan, but out of my love for my little girl and a desperate wish to give her something to look forward to. A place where she and other children facing the same battle could laugh, play, and feel like they weren't alone.
What started as a small camp session on Fourth Lake in Inlet, NY, has since grown into something bigger than I could've ever imagined. Over the years, Camp Good Days has welcomed thousands of children, families, and adults impacted by cancer. As we continued to grow, we recognized the need to extend our programs beyond childhood cancer to include those impacted by sickle cell anemia. This realization came from seeing that children with sickle cell often share hospital units with cancer patients, forming bonds before they even come to Camp. By welcoming them into the Camp Good Days community, we're able to offer them the same sense of belonging, support, and adventure that Teddi and other children like her first experienced so many years ago and our campers continue to have.
Teddi's legacy lives on in every smile, every friendship formed, and every moment of laughter shared at Camp Good Days. It lives on in the children who find comfort in knowing they are not alone and in the families who discover a community that understands their needs.
But this legacy is not just mine to carry—it belongs to all of us. To every volunteer who gives their time, every donor who believes in our mission, and every person who helps us continue what Teddi inspired. Camp Good Days exists because of a little girl's battle and a father's love for his daughter—but it continues because of you.
You can help keep Teddi's dream alive and ensure that Camp Good Days continues to serve children and their families for years to come. Whether by volunteering at Camp or during our fundraising events, making a tax-deductible donation, or simply sharing our mission, your support plays a crucial role in sustaining this special place. Together, we honor Teddi's memory by giving the gift of Camp Good Days to those who need it most.
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