Are You a Bone Marrow Match? Get Tested Today to Help Local Couple Who Has Cancer

By getting a painless mouth swab today, you might be able to help save a local married couple down the road.

Both parents of a sixth-grade Minnetonka Middle School East student are facing months of hospitalization for aggressive chemotherapy treatments; one in Minneapolis and the other in Washington.

Two bone marrow drives are scheduled today, Sunday, Oct. 7, for Bill and Jodi Heyman of Eden Prairie who are simultaneously battling cancer.

Jodi successfully beat breast cancer five years ago, but on Aug. 14, 2012, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. It is a rare but known side effect of the chemotherapy that was used to treat her breast cancer.

At the same time, Bill was treated for his advanced melanoma in a month-long trial at the National Institute of Health halfway across the country.

Jodi will soon be eligible for a bone marrow transplant and needs to find a match.

Be The Match bone marrow drives today

Bet Shalom Congregation
13613 Orchard Road
Minnetonka, MN 55305
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Eden Prairie Community Center
16700 Valley View Road
Eden Prairie, MN
12-4 p.m.

At these drives, community members ages 18-44 can become part of the bone marrow registry with a painless cheek swab. You'll remain on the registry until you are 61 years of age. If you're a match for anyone in need, you'll have the opportunity to give a life-saving marrow transplant for someone like Jodi. To see if you're eligible to participate, visit www.marrow.org.

Individuals unable to participate in the bone marrow drive can consider making a donation or raising funds for the family to help with medical costs and daily living expenses. Donations can be sent to:

Bill and Jodi Heyman
c/o Wells Fargo Advisors
601 Carlson Parkway, Suite 190
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Attn: Bob Warrick