Mervis believed that the loneliness of being the only child in her school and neighborhood dealing with cancer was as painful to his daughter as the treatments.
After his daughter's death in 1982, Mervis, with the help of friends and organizations in his hometown of Rochester, New York, continued to provide summer camp sessions for other children with the disease.
Camp Good Days provides activities and services for children, adults and families who have been affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
"[4] The camp's fifteen acre site includes lakefront facilities and a large swimming pool, a craft-lodge, a playground, a jumping pillow, a miniature golf course, an archery range, and additional sports, residential and recreational areas.
This effort was the result of continued discussions, suggestions, and plans originally set forth in the Camp Good Days' Cancer Summit, held in 2009.
Several notable public figures have stated their support of the cause, including the Lieutenant Governor of New York and former Rochester mayor Robert Duffy, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, Congressman Tom Reed, Maggie Brooks, James Alesi, and David Koon.