The Original

So I thought I would post the original news story that WKBT out of LaCrosse did on Jessica back in September of 2007.

"Reported by Aaron Matas
Racing Time

Many student athletes can thank their parents for rides to and from practice, or even that new piece of equipment they need. NewsChannel Eight's Aaron Matas introduces us to a Melrose-Mindoro cross country athlete who is thanking her parents for a lot more than a pair of running shoes.
Cross country, a sport that requires grit and determination. A sport that pushes athletes to their limit. A sport tailor made, for Melrose Mindoro sophomore, Jessica Hubbard. At 8 years old, Jessica entered her first race. But it wasn't against an opponent or even a teammate. Her first race was against time. "I had 87% kidney failure, in both kidneys," says Jessica.
Jessica started receiving dialysis 3 times a week in Minneapolis. She soon had 100% kidney failure. A doctor told the Hubbards the news. "He basically straight out cut the bushes down and said straight out, she needs a transplant period," says Jessica's dad, Jim. Jessica needed a donor and needed one fast. Both of her parents stepped up, but it was her dad who ended up giving Jessica a kidney. "I just up and did it, I signed it as fast as I could, did all the paperwork as fast as I could."
A year after her diagnosis, Jessica was recovered from her transplant, however the side affects are on-going. Her anti-rejection medication made her gain weight, sometimes gives her warts, and stunted her growth. But none of it has stopped her. She is now running for her 2nd year on the Melrose Mindoro cross country team. "I do think it goes back to her having to deal with something at a young age," says Jessica's coach, Debra Schaefer, "she had to grow up pretty fast. It's tough to grow up at age 6, 7, 8."
"I think about my parents a lot when I run. Because they didn't have to do this for me," says Jessica. No dad didn't have to donate his kidney, and mom didn't have to take care of the family through the whole process, but if you ask them, they knew what had to be done. Together, they gave their young daughter a chance to live, a chance to compete, a chance at a normal life. "I'm really proud for them to be my parents," says Jessica with tears in her eyes, "and I thank them very much, and I love them very much." And every finish line she crosses, she crosses with mom and dad.
Come this July, Jessica and her father hope to represent Wisconsin in the National Transplant Games in Pittsburgh, but she could use a little help getting there. If you would like to donate money to help Jessica compete at the games, contact her dad, Jim, at 608-488-3380."

http://www.wkbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=7101426