MENDON, N.Y. (WROC) – News 8’s first finalist featured in this year’s Remarkable Women contest was nominated as someone who has devoted her life to community service.

Wendy Bleier-Mervis is one of the leading forces behind Camp Good Days. News 8’s Natalie Kucko shares the story of how she has used her purpose to enhance the lives of those battling cancer.

Bleier-Mervis can be recognized as the ‘heart’ of Camp Good Days. The nonprofit was founded in 1979 by her husband, Gary Mervis, for his daughter, Teddi, to support children facing cancer.

Since then, it has evolved as a free, residential camping program at Keuka Lake and has served thousands of children and adults from all over the world year-round.

“Here, I’m working with adults and kids who, by no fault of their own, are dealt a difficult hand,” said Bleier-Mervis.

She joined the organization as a lifeguard in 1991, and advanced to several leadership roles before becoming executive director just over 10 years ago.

In 1996, Bleier-Mervis established the women’s oncology program, offering opportunities for women battling cancer in any form. There, participants are invited to join a weekend retreat, which provides the chance to meet others with similar experiences and create lifelong friendships.

As a longtime athlete and coach, those experiences are woven into her lasting mentorship.

“When I was coaching girls’ sports, you have your good days and you have your bad days. You’ll have good practices and bad practices. It’s the same thing for people going through cancer treatment. They have good days and they have bad days, but those moments where you’re laughing and having a great time together – it’s magic,” said Bleier-Mervis.

She eventually left a career in education, and the goals of becoming a school administrator, to join Camp Good Days full-time. That decision, Bleier-Mervis says, was brought on by a greater calling.

“I had people around me who were battling cancer. My mother had cancer and lost her battle, so I really wanted to do something to help women,” she said, “It was very difficult. You’re just surrounded by it. But, at the end of the day, I feel like I was meant to do this.”

There’s no role at Camp Good Days that Bleier-Mervis hasn’t served in. Her husband, Gary, says her influence is unmatched.

“Wendy is like one of those unsung heroes. When I see her interactions with the kids, they love her like I do, and that’s the highest compliment anyone can pay someone – when a child really looks up to you because they feel you really care about them,” said Mervis.

“I took the jump and I don’t regret it. Do I miss coaching? 100 percent. Do I miss teaching? Absolutely. Do I love what I’m doing? Absolutely,” said Bleier-Mervis.

Wendy Bleier-Mervis is the first to be featured of News 8’s four Remarkable Women finalists. We’ll be sharing their stories in the coming weeks, ahead of our live ceremony where one winner will be announced. That will be held April 2 at 5:30 p.m. on WROC.