Security Mutual Life Chairman and CEO Bruce W. Boyea visited Blessed Sacrament School in Syracuse, where Bishop Lucia announced the Sock Out Cancer Day. In Binghamton, Boyea also visited with staff and students at Seton Catholic Central and St. John the Evangelist schools during their observance of the day.
Sock Out Cancer Day was inspired by Boyea’s granddaughter, Quinn Eskandar, who wrote her grandfather a letter saying they should find a way to get the socks in all of the Catholic schools.
Boyea spoke about the two-fold mission of Sock Out Cancer, and one part is to raise awareness of the 26 colors of cancer.
“But the real heart is the second part, which is to help people who unfortunately have cancer, that need help paying for basic living expenses. They might need food, they might need transportation, or help with the rent. That’s really what Sock Out Cancer is all about,” said Boyea.
Bishop Lucia reflected on a discussion with Pope Francis about the importance of standing with those in need. “The colors here remind us of all the different people we will encounter, just like all of the different cancers. But at the same time, it means we can stand with them, and we can walk with them along the way,” said Bishop Lucia.
The Catholic schools also held prayer services with a moment of reflection for individuals and families facing the struggle with cancer. The service at St. John the Evangelist included special prayers for the children’s family members and friends who have “Socked Out Cancer” and for those who have passed.
Two basketballs signed by Jim Boeheim will be raffled off within the diocesan schools to help provide support to those impacted by cancer. The drawing for the basketballs will take place on December 20, 2019, with raffle proceeds donated by the Syracuse Diocese to Sock Out Cancer.
Sock Out Cancer, LLC, is wholly owned by the Security Mutual Life Foundation, which is a New York 501 (c) (3) public charity.
