A chance to save a life

Rob Henley, who has leukemia, is in need of a bone-marrow transplant.

By: | InsideNova
Published: October 22, 2009

The key point will come during the magic show, but the folks at Cedar Point Elementary School hope the crowd tonight focuses on reality, not smoke and mirrors.

That reality is that Rob Henley -- whose youngest daughter, 8-year-old Kate, attends Cedar Point -- was diagnosed with leukemia in July.

Now he needs a bone marrow transplant, and he has found no matching donors.

So the school is asking those attending its Family Fun Night to see if they might be a match.

All it takes is a swab of the cheek to see if someone might be a match for Henley or for someone else who needs bone marrow.

"Rob Henley is an extraordinarily special man," a flier advertising the event said. "Not only has he served in the military, but he has two children and two grandchildren."

The event is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the school, 12601 Braemar Parkway.

"You have the power to save a life," the flier said. "Please come and see if you can help Rob see his little girl grow up."

Potential bone marrow donors must be between the ages of 18 and 55, and in good health to register.

For other eligibility requirements, visit dkmsamericas.org.

Staff writer Jonathan Hunley can be reached at 703-369-5738.