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URL http://www.rockymountainbmt.com/patient_stories/Bob-Heykoop-27.html

Bob Heykoop

“People caring about one another represents life’s greatest value.” – Jim Rohn

Following his autologous transplant for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on July 6, 2000, Bob Heykoop decided to lead his life by this quote. Bob was given an initial cancer diagnosis in 1991 and after undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy he went into remission. After his cancer recurred in 1999, it was determined that a transplant was his best treatment option.

Many view a cancer diagnosis as a death sentence, but Bob views his entire transplant experience as a blessing from God. Throughout his recovery time, Bob spent more time with his wife, Virginia, and daughters, Briana and Jordan, than ever before. When money was tight, his friends rallied around his family to ensure his daughters could continue to participate in their extracurricular activities. And the family was never without a meal or words of encouragement and prayer from Southern Gables Church members.

“Midway through my recovery process, a friend asked me if I could describe my transplant experience in one work,” said Bob. “I said awesome and couldn’t believe it. I’ve been surrounded by a love I can’t explain.”

Today, Bob continues to give back to the program that his given him and his family so much. He stops by Rocky Mountain Cancers and Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center once a month to visit with other transplant recipients and provide works of encouragement.

‘The physicians and staff at The Rocky Mountain Blood and Marrow Transplant Program deserve every accolade they receive,” said Bob. “It never felt as if they were only there to do a job. Throughout my transplant experience they went above and beyond the call of duty and in turn I am proud to call them my friends.”