KP Eagle Scout battles cancer

Hugh McMillan

Luke Vander Poel and Scott Odell, right, recite the Eagle Scout promise to the assemblage at the Court of Honor for seven newly promoted Eagle Scouts of Key Peninsula's Troop 220 on Sept. 14 at the Key Peninsula Civic Center. Photo by Hugh McMillan, KP News

Determinately combatting the ravages of a cancer he is determined he will beat, Eagle Scout Scott Odell attended Key Peninsula Boy Scout Troop 220's Sept. 14 Court of Honor at which his brother Michael was one of seven Troop 220 Scouts who simultaneously received their newly earned Eagle awards.

A 2012 graduate of Gig Harbor High School, Odell was diagnosed with cancer of the liver in early June 2014. A large growth on his liver was inoperable. After beginning chemotherapy, doctors at the University of Washington have ceased treatment due to its ineffectiveness. Odell’s parents, John and Cher Odell, are pursuing alternatives to treat the cancer. Unfortunately, the alternatives are not covered by John Odell’s insurance.

John and Cher Odell, integral to Troop 220 for 10 years, have given to the community in many ways. John was assistant Scout Master then Scout Master while their two sons, Scott and Michael Eagled in Boy Scouts. Cher is active in the Peninsula schools, Troop 220 advancement chair, and Pacific Harbors Council, as well as many other functions within Boy Scouts and Peninsula schools.

Troop 220 seeks to raise funds to help pay for Odell’s alternative medical treatments.

Donations can be sent to John or Cher Odell, C/O Troop 220, PO Box 642, Vaughn, WA 98394. Contributions will be welcomed at Troop 220’s weekly Scout meetings at the Key Peninsula Civic Center Tuesdays between 6:30 and 8 p.m.

For information, contact Dan Vander Poel at (253) 691-4029.