Bijou Phillips, 45, Hospitalized and Pleads for Kidney Donor to Stay Alive
Bijou Phillips, 45, has been hospitalized in Los Angeles as she waits for a second kidney transplant. The actress shared a heartfelt plea on social media Wednesday, asking for help finding a living donor.
Phillips, known for her role in Almost Famous, explained that she was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent her first three months in the NICU on dialysis. She received her first kidney transplant in 2017, which allowed her to spend eight precious years as a mother to her daughter.
However, complications have since arisen, including the BK virus, which caused both cellular and antibody rejection. She is now back on dialysis under the care of Dr. Anjay Rastogi at UCLA.
“Please help me find a living donor so that I can have more time with my daughter, family, and friends,” Phillips wrote online.
Her message quickly drew support from friends and celebrities. Kathy Hilton sent her “prayers, love and light,” while Kimberley Stewart added, “Love you so much.” Actress Ashley Benson also showed support, writing, “We are all supporting you and you are not alone.”
Phillips’ personal life has also been in the public eye. In September 2023, she filed for divorce from Danny Masterson just two weeks after he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison following convictions for two counts of forcible rape.
This is a difficult chapter for Phillips, who has battled kidney disease throughout her life. Her openness about her struggle highlights both the challenges of organ failure and the urgency of finding living donors.
Phillips’ bravery in sharing her story publicly is inspiring. She is fighting not just for her life but for the time she wants to spend with her daughter. Stories like hers remind us how crucial organ donation is and how it can make a life-or-death difference. What do you think about her appeal for a donor? Share your thoughts in the comments.
