Boy Scouts Project Brings Hope To Cancer Patients

A northeastern Oklahoma Boy Scouts’ project aims to bring hope and healing to those fighting cancer. It's a topic that hits home for the teen who is working toward his Eagle rank.

Project planner and Eagle Scout hopeful Matt Moore said his efforts aren't a stepping stone to earning a higher rank. It's about giving back to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America community that served his mom well during her battle with breast cancer.

Moore is a part of Troop 153, which is sponsored by St. John's Episcopal Church on 41st and Atlanta. He is also the brains behind Sunday's Eagle Project. 

Moore and his fellow scouts spent their weekend installing eight bird houses and four bird feeders inside the Tulsa Cancer Treatment Centers of America courtyard. Moore hopes this project will give patients a glimpse into the outside world.

"Last year, my mom got diagnosed with breast cancer and doing this project here... [I] kind of wanted to give back to the Cancer Treatment Center for helping my mom and family get through that rough time," Matt Moore said. "Plus, my aunt just got diagnosed, too, so this project is for both of them."

Moore’s parents said their son couldn't have picked a better place to serve. Matt's mom, Trina Moore, is now cancer-free and described the center as less like a hospital and more like a place of hope.

"I hope that it will be able to help take their minds off some of their troubles, just to come out in nature and watch birds eat and house," Trina Moore said. 

Troop Assistant Scoutmaster Charlie Nutter has been registered in scouting for 74 years. Nutter said becoming an Eagle Scout is a huge milestone that an estimated four percent of scouts achieve.

"You hear, so often, of what teenagers sometimes do that's not so good, but then you see a situation like this," Nutter said. "He and his friends will spend probably about 150 hours of work doing the Eagle Project."

Nutter is extremely proud of these young men and Matt's parents agree. 

"We've seen a huge difference in Matt, and it's just such a worthwhile opportunity to be in scouts," Trina Moore said. 

Matt said he is grateful for everyone's help in making this possible. 

"It's been a lifetime goal for me since I was in first grade, when I first joined cubs as a Tiger Scout," Matt Moore said. 

Moore said he needs to pass a Board of Review before he can officially be awarded his Eagle Scout rank this fall.