Personal Connection Turns Eagle Scout Project Into Benefit for Community

Senior at Glasgow High School Dillon Godwin couldn't decide what to do for his Eagle Scout project, even as time was quickly running out to choose and execute a project. It wasn't until an idea from his mother, Leta Godwin, to make chemo covers for the community, spearheaded Godwin's motivation to not only help out those in the community with cancer but also execute everything he learned from his time in Scouts.

After finding out more information on the benefits of chemo covers from online communities, Godwin decided to get real world advice and asked his grandmother, Phyllis Dahl, her opinions and thoughts on how beneficial chemo covers actually would be. Dahl had gone through chemotherapy herself and had an implanted port placed in order to receive her medications. It was relayed to Godwin and his mother that Dahl did not wear a seatbelt while having the port as a result of irritation experienced with the seatbelt rubbing up against the port. Dahl expressed having a chemo cover would have certainly helped her be more safe in the vehicle. Dahl also sought the advice from her friends, who were currently going through infusion, and the consensus was reached, having a cover to place on the seatbelt would allow the ability to be safe in the vehicle while at the same time relieve discomfort.

In order to keep his grandmother and all those experiencing cancer safe while either driving or as a passenger, Godwin decided to execute his project and made 100 chemo covers by hand. Fabric was donated to the project, and with the help of volunteers, fellow troop members, Godwin's sister and family as well as members of the community, covers were cut out and sewn. "I was really able to execute everything I learned from my time in Scouts including planning, organizing and leading while doing this project," said Godwin. "I am really appreciative of all of the help I received from members of the community to make this project a success."

All 100 chemo covers were delivered to FMDH on Oct. 25, where they have been handed out to patients in the community during their initial visit to the infusion department. "Patients are very appreciative for the comfort they bring while in a vehicle," said Jennifer Sillerud, a nurse in the FMDH outpatient infusion department.

As of right now, this project is a one-time project however Godwin did state he has fabric left over from the project and is willing to make more if need be. "I am just really hoping the 100 I made will last a while," said Godwin.