Rally for Patty Odell: Easing Her Final Journey

GoFundMe

I am reaching out with a heavy heart to support my lifelong friend's mother, Patty Odell, who is courageously battling terminal cancer. Her spirit has been an inspiration to all who know her, but the financial burden of medical expenses, hospice care, and end-of-life plans is overwhelming. The goal is to rally together (near and far) to help alleviate some of this stress so the family can focus on the precious time she has left with her loved ones. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference and is deeply appreciated. Let's come together to support this wonderful family during their time of need.

Jim and Patty Odell, originally from Stony Point, NY, moved to Clermont, FL in 2019. In 2022, Patty was diagnosed with Stage IV liver cancer. Just recently in 2023, the cancer had spread from her liver to her bowel and spine, categorizing her cancer as incurable progressive. She was not given a timeline of how long she had left, but her family continued to live each day in fear that this wonderful woman would be taken from them in a blink of an eye. She continued to try and fight by taking on a new drug study, but after several treatments with nothing but negative side effects, she made the bravest decision to stop these treatments. After several trips to the hospital and many different encounters with doctors, it has been determined that the best option is for Patty to be in the comforts of her home surrounded by her loving family and is receiving palliative care.

For someone who has dedicated her life to bringing joy and love to all those she has come to meet and call family, I believe that Patty and her family are deserving of so much support from their community, both old and new.

A little bit more about them: Patty’s background includes being a certified nurse and caregiver from the ER to Pediatrics to hospice care. Jim, dedicated his time to the Stony Point Fire Department Engine 18 and this year will celebrate his 50th year as a Volunteer Fireman. Early on in their life together, they both dedicated their life, heart, and family to God in their volunteer work at our local Catholic Church as Catechists and active members of the community in a myriad of ways. Jim and Patty even saw it fit to partake in portraying Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus for our town Christmas Holiday celebrations. In their journey through life, they had three daughters: Gina, Allie, and Toni. Today, they have two dedicated Son-In-Laws, Jesse and Josh, and three beautiful, bright, and strong granddaughters, Harper, Lorelei, and Charlotte.

Jim and Patty always gave in any way they could. Whether it be time to listen to a family after church mass, cooking meals overnight for the volunteer firemen during a town emergency, visiting ailing elderly parishioners in their final days or inviting the neighborhood kids over for a BBQ, Jim and Patty never cared about how much money someone had or how nice their car was. It only mattered how true their hearts were and what positive impact they could have on someone's life. In June 2023, Jim Odell was elected as the Grand Master Knight of the St. Faustina Knights of Columbus Council in Clermont, FL. Even in the worst of times, they continued to dedicate their life to God and their community with the support of their family and friends.

Now is our time to support them in these trying times. All funds raised will help to defer medical costs incurred throughout Patty’s journey and to help plan her final arrangements on earth. All funds will be deposited directly to the family from the GoFundMe Account.