Bowling Green State University Athletics
Gymnastics To Hold Fundraiser For Kidney Foundation In Support Of Current Falcon
February 12, 2007 | Gymnastics
Feb. 12, 2007
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Back in December the lives of both Jessica McArthur and her father, James McArthur, change dramatically. Jessica, a senior on the Bowling Green State University gymnastics team had a kidney with the potential to begin failing at any time, and was in need of a transplant. On December 7, 2006 her father came to the rescue and donated a kidney to his daughter.
"I am so happy, he gave me life once, and to do it again is just amazing, said McArthur. "I don't think I will ever be able to fully appreciate what he has done for me. There are no words to describe what he has done for me. Me and my dad were almost a perfect match, we were only missing one marker. I was very lucky to have my dad and me be so close in DNA."
McArthur, a native of Toledo, Ohio, along with her father are slowly getting back to a normal life, two months after the successful surgery.
"Well honestly at first I thought it was kind of funny, because I didn't understand the seriousness of the situation," said McArthur. "Once my dad explained everything to me I was just shocked. As time went on I got more knowledge of the disease and it made me feel better."
This is where the BGSU gymnastics team, along with their head coach, Dan Connelly, is trying to help.
On March 24, the Falcons host the All-Ohio Championships in a battle of Ohio's best (BGSU, Kent State and Ohio State), while at the same time they will be holding a fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation of Ohio.
At the meet the Falcons will have bracelets and pins for sale, while donations will also be accepted for the NKF. There will also be a silent auction where fans can bid on items from the gymnastics team, as well as restaurant donations, and athletic tickets.
"We came up with the idea to host a fund raiser because we wanted to bring awareness to everyone about the topic," said senior gymnast Jillian Stranges. We also wanted to give Jessica the recognition that she deserves."
McArthur will also be in attendance to support her fellow Falcons, just as they have been there for her the last few months.
"I feel she is still part of this team, it's just not real to us yet, said senior Bethany Kenel. "It really affected the seniors because we had all these ideas about senior year, and this comes as a shock."
The All-Ohio meet begins at 7:00 p.m. inside Anderson Arena.
"Last season she stepped up big for us and competed in both vault and bars," said Connelly. "It was a lot to ask of a walk on to compete in two events and she did it without a problem. When I found out about her kidney I was shocked. It just blew me away. I thought they made a mistake. This was a girl who for three years was almost always healthy. Everyone really misses her, she had a happy personality that boosted everyone."
For those that are unable to attend the gymnastics meet, but sill want donate to the foundation they can mail checks to the National Kidney Foundation of Ohio. Their address is: NFK of Ohio, Inc., 1373 Grandview Ave. Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio, 43212-2804.
You can also visit the NKF at www.kidney.org and make your donation online.
