Sock Out Cancer™ Goes Super

(Binghamton, NY • May 1, 2018) Since its formation last year, Sock Out Cancer™ has been helping financially distressed cancer patients throughout the Southern Tier. Beginning today, the program will also be helping one very special little boy and his family: four-year-old Cooper Busch, affectionately known as “Super Cooper.”

Through Friday, May 11, people can order Sock Out Cancer’s bright, multi-hued socks by calling 607-338-SOCK (338-7625). The net proceeds from these sock sales—as well as the net proceeds from socks sold during the May 11 Sock Out Cancer Benefit Concert—will directly benefit the Busch family, assisting them with living expenses as they spend time with Cooper. Cooper has been battling acute myeloid leukemia—a form of cancer affecting the bone marrow and blood—since just before his third birthday.

“Cooper has touched the hearts of so many people throughout the Southern Tier,” said Security Mutual Life Chairman, President & CEO Bruce W. Boyea. “This is one small way that all of us in the community can show our caring and solidarity, while also providing some financial support to the Busch family.”

“Our family has been so blessed by our amazing community,” said Cooper’s mom, Tara Busch. “It’s really heartwarming, and it’s helping us to get through this incredibly difficult time. So we want to thank Security Mutual and the foundations at Lourdes and UHS for making this possible, and we’re really looking forward to the concert coming up on May 11.”

Cancer survivor Brian Bailey has been an enthusiastic supporter of Sock Out Cancer since he attended the first benefit concert, which was held in March 2017. “I’d like to thank those who have already purchased these socks. They really do make a difference,” he said. Brian said he will absolutely be attending the upcoming concert on May 11, and encouraged people in the community to attend, as well as to purchase socks.

The socks are $10 per pair, and socks ordered through 607-338-SOCK will be mailed to customers, with Security Mutual Life covering the mailing cost.

This year’s Sock Out Cancer Benefit Concert takes place May 11 at 8 p.m. at the Forum and once again features the internationally renowned ensemble William Close & The Earth Harp Collective. The net proceeds from the concert will assist Southern Tier cancer patients and their families who have been referred by case workers at Lourdes Hospital and UHS, the region’s two largest cancer centers. Sock Out Cancer socks will be sold at the concert that evening, with those net proceeds directly benefiting Super Cooper and his family.

“Because this benefit concert really is in honor of our friends, neighbors and family members who are battling cancer, we also want to share this very special evening with them,” said Boyea. “We are pleased to announce that a number of complimentary tickets are still available for any local cancer patients who would like to attend the concert.” To request complimentary tickets, cancer patients can simply call 607-338-SOCK (338-7625).

In closing, Boyea heartily encouraged Southern Tier residents to make plans to attend this concert: “Not only will this concert be helping cancer patients throughout our community, but it is going to be a phenomenal performance that you won’t want to miss.” Concert tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster as well as at the Arena/Forum box office. For more information, visit sockoutcancer.org.