20 Years Of The Courage Bowl
PITTSFORD, NY – Gary Mervis still can’t believe what the Courage Bowl has become – and how each year the event shines brighter and brighter.
That feeling may come around every year for Mervis, chairman and founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times, and many others in the Rochester area. But it was no doubt amplified on Tuesday afternoon as St. John Fisher, SUNY Brockport and Camp Good Days gathered for a luncheon to celebrate two decades of the Courage Bowl.
Mervis, a former Fisher football assistant, founded the Courage Bowl in 2005 to give children impacted by cancer or sickle cell anemia the chance to be part of a college football game. It has since become the highlight of Rochester’s sports calendar and one of the premier games in collegiate football.
“To this day, I will still run into kids that have been invovled in the Courage Bowl,” Mervis said. “They will mention how much it means to them. I just love knowing that I have made that happen.”
Each year, Camp Good Days selects honorary coaches and cheerleaders to be part of the game. The winning team hoists the Teddi Trophy, named after Mervis' daughter, Teddi, who was diagnosed with a maignant brian tumor in 1979.
About Camp Good Days
Mervis founded Camp Good Days after his daughter's cancer diagnosis. The organization strives to improve the quality of life for children, families and adults impacted by cancer or sickle cell anemia through residential camping programs and year-round recreational and support activities, in the Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse, New York, areas.
At Camp Good Days, participants have the opportunity to regain some of what cancer has taken away from them. While a vast majority of participants reside in NY, Camp Good Days has no geographical boundaries and accepts children from all 50 states and all over the world.
To learn more about Camp Good Days, click HERE.
Honorary Coaches and Cheerleaders (St. John Fisher)
Ryan McNamara (Honorary Coach) – Ryan, the son of two proud St. John Fisher alumni, was found to have a rare form of liver cancer at just one month old. Now a thriving and energetic 7-year-old, he currently plays lacrosse and loves to swim. Ryan and his sister, Mia, are very active with Camp Good Days, participating in summer day camp for the last three years, year-round activities, plus he is a returning honorary coach. Having formed a special bond with the Fisher football players, Ryan (and his mom) invited some of his favorites to read at his school this past spring. Ryan has been asking, “When can he see his Fisher football friends again?”
Craig Winter (Honorary Coach) – Craig, 15, has been part of the Camp Good Days family for nearly a decade. Diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer as a toddler, he and his two sisters started participating in Camp Good Days programs as a way to escape cancer and just be kids. Craig can be found at camp each summer, sharing his love for style and colorful hair dye.
Maylee Cross (Cheerleader) – This summer was Maylee’s first time experiencing the magic of Camp Good Days. Maylee, 16, just entered the 11th grade. When she isn’t kicking cancer's butt, she participates in her school's chorus and unified basketball. Maylee will be cheering alongside the Cardinals’ cheerleaders on Saturday.
Charli Ferraraccio (Cheerleader) – Fisher pride runs deep in Charli’s blood, as her mother and other family members are proud alumni of the university. Charli had been a cheerleader for years, starting when she was in prekindergarten, but unfortunately has not been able to continue. She was diagnosed with cancer this past spring. She is thrilled to return to the sideline this weekend with the St. John Fisher cheerleading team.
Honorary Coaches and Cheerleaders (Brockport)
Vinny Miller (Honorary Coach) – Someone everyone knows at Camp Good Days, Vinny was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor when he was five years old. He has spent half his life fighting this horrible disease, but you would never know it. His huge smile and love for all around him are never-ending, no matter the struggles he faces. As a big country music fan, Vinny often performs in the Camp Good Days talent show. This year, he inspired his fellow campers and moved his counselors to tears with his powerful performance of Travis Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive.” Vinny loves school, spending time with family and all things Buffalo sports.
Anders Swanson (Honorary Coach) – Anders has been part of the Camp Good Days family since he was 4 years old. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at only 18 months, his diagnosis and treatment have left an impactful mark on his life. Over the years, Anders has found support and a sense of belonging among his friends at camp. A pillar within the Camp Good Days community, Anders enjoys sharing his love for fishing and nature with his friends.
JoNiya Johnson (Honorary Cheerleader) – Diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, JoNiya, 17, joined Camp Good Days over the summer. JoNiya will be proudly cheering on the Brockport Golden Eagles on Saturday.
Jazzy Antinetto (Honary Cheerleader) – Another first-time Camp Good Days camper, Jazzy, 16, was cabinmates with fellow honorary cheerleader JoNiya this past summer. Jazzy has embraced Camp Good Days’ motto, ‘Where Courage Has No Bounds.”