For $5K Toward Friend's Cancer Fund, Man Says He'll Get A Tattoo

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A cancer diagnosis is a devastating one, and it's tough to know how to help someone who's facing that battle.

One man figured out a unique way to pitch in. He hopes his pledge will bring attention to his friend's battle and help fill a very real financial need during his fight.

Just two weeks ago, Josh Heidkamp's world flipped upside down. He discovered a tumor.

"I have a grade 4 glioblastoma. It's a type of cancer -- the most severe you can have," Heidkamp said. "It's weird to be in such a perilous situation, but sensing so much love."

In that time when despair knocked on his door, so did his community with a message of hope, like from Josh's friend Aaron Shoemaker.

"When I read the news that he had brain cancer, it didn't register at first," Shoemaker said. "When it hit me, it took the wind out of me. I'm the type of person who's like now what. So I wanted to get to work right away."

"He said if someone donates $250 he'd shave his beard. It was his dad who donated the $250," said Heidkamp.

Now, for $2,500 he'll shave his head, but Shoemaker decided that wasn't enough.

"If a company or person wants to donate $5,000 or more, I would be honored to get their name or logo tattooed on me," Shoemaker said.

Yes, a permanent marking, anywhere on his body to raise money for his friend. Because Josh says, that's just Aaron.

"If Aaron is going to do something, that's how Aaron's going to do it. He's not going to do it in a simple way," said Heidkamp.

With his future uncertain, there's one thing Josh can count on. Love from his family and love from his friends.

"In this time it's something you need. You need some people doing some silly things to keep your spirits up," said Heidkamp.

If you would like to help Josh Heidkamp and his family, you can joshsfight.com, or donate to their GoFundMe page. That's also where you can donate $5,000 for Aaron to get a tattoo of your choice.