Donor dad gives Jessica new life
CABOOLTURE teenager Jessica Felschow looks set to recover from kidney disease and live a long and happy life, thanks to the bravery of her dad Anthony.
The 15-year-old was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome when she was two, which left scarring around her capillaries and prevented her from processing protein properly.
Her kidneys failed as a result and she started dialysis in September last year.
Anthony said he had known since Jessica was first diagnosed that she would need an organ transplant eventually and he was happy to be the donor.
"It was an easy decision," he said.
"No second thoughts at all whatsoever.
"It was one of the most emotional things I've done in my life. I feel really good about it now."
The September 11 operation was a success and Jessica has recovered much faster than expected.
"Getting a kidney from a live donor - particularly one who's related to you - gives you the best chance," Anthony said.
"She just went ahead in leaps and bounds.
"The kidney was working straight away and all the tests are coming back good."
Jessica's surgery was life-changing.
She had been on dialysis six nights a week, and sleep
overs, swimming, friends' parties, salty food and sport were all off limits.
Jessica still has to steer clear of processed foods but otherwise looks set to lead a normal life.
The generosity of the Packer family, from Packer Leather, added one more heart-warming chapter to Jessica's touching story.
Anthony did not have enough sick leave built up to cover his six-week absence from work but Packer Leather paid him for the whole time he was away.
The Packer family and many of the company's workers also were able to give the Felschows "quite a large sum of money" to help with the recovery.
"I'm really grateful for the people I work for and with," Anthony said.
"A lot of people from day shift I've never met and they've put this money in from their own pockets.
"You see these things on TV shows but when you experience it yourself, it's a true blessing."
