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SALT LAKE CITY — The comic book community in Salt Lake City came together Saturday in support of one of their own.
Comic book artist Tim Odland, a Utah native, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer in late 2023. Black Cat Comics, a comic book store in Sugar House, held a fundraiser Saturday to help Odland with medical expenses.
"The comic community is – it's a really great community," said Greg Gage, owner of Black Cat Comics.
Gage said he wanted to do something special for Odland, who's had several book signings at Gage's store.
All proceeds from Saturday, along with funds collected from a raffle, will be donated to Odland, who now lives in Minnesota.
Destined to be an artist
Odland's mother, Barbara Odland, said her son was a star athlete, a football player at Weber State University. However, she always knew he would become an artist.
"He was born with a pencil," she said. "I never had to entertain him. He was always off somewhere drawing."
Barbara Odland said her son is an extension of her and watching him battle cancer has been difficult.
"I feel all his pain. It's really hard," she said.
Gage said several people reached out to help Tim Odland and his family.
"It's really heartwarming to see all this come out and support somebody in the community and support a friend," he said.
A response that Tim Odland said is giving him strength.
"When you're going through this stuff it's nice to know that people love you," he said.
Tim Odland's family has set up a GoFundMe* page to help during his cancer battle.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
