[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E196-E197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        DANCE MARATHON MAKES SPECIAL CHILDREN'S WISHES COME TRUE

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 1998

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students of 
St. Fisher College

[[Page E197]]

in Rochester, New York, who are holding their annual Dance for Love on 
February 27 and 28.
  This is no ordinary college dance but a 24-hour dance marathon to 
benefit special children. Over the past fifteen years, the Dance for 
Love has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit the Teddi 
Project at Camp Good Days and Special Times. These generous, caring 
students give of their time and energy each year to make dreams come 
true for children.
  Established by local leader Gary Mervis in 1980, Camp Good Days and 
Special Times provides a special haven for children who are coping with 
cancer, HIV, physical challenges, or violence in their lives. Too many 
of these children spend most of their time in hospitals and doctor's 
offices, or battling their way through the challenges of everyday 
activities. Camp Good Days is a loving environment where they can learn 
that they are not alone and enjoy activities like boating, seaplane 
rides, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, and much, much more. Camp 
Good Days and Special Times gives hope and laughter to children who 
have been robbed of much of their childhood.
  The Teddi Project is one of a number of programs operated by Camp 
Good Days. Named for Gary Mervis's daughter, Teddi, who suffered from a 
brain tumor and inspired her father to start the camp, the Teddi 
Project makes wishes come true for children with life-threatening 
illnesses. Wishes range from a new bicycle or party dress to a trip to 
Disney World or meeting a celebrity. The Teddi Project gives sick 
children and their parents an opportunity to bring the family together 
and remember good times. Since 1982, over 1000 children and families 
have benefited from the Teddi Project.
  The Teddi Project could not happen without the loving support of 
people like the St. John Fisher students dancing this weekend. Though 
they will finish the weekend weary, they can be proud knowing the dance 
will have raised thousands of dollars for the Teddi Project. These 
students are truly an inspiration to our entire community about our 
power to make miracles happen.

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