Bijou Phillips Urgently Hospitalized for Kidney Transplant Needs
Bijou Phillips is currently hospitalized and urgently needs a kidney transplant. The actress is receiving treatment at UCLA Health, where she has returned to dialysis while awaiting a living donor.
Kidney Transplant Journey
Phillips previously underwent a kidney transplant in 2017, thanks to a friend who donated the organ. Unfortunately, this kidney has since failed, leading to her current medical emergency. Her representatives state that complications have arisen since the first transplant, including issues related to the BK virus, which resulted in cellular and antibody rejection.
Current Health Status
While Bijou Phillips is currently in stable condition, her representatives emphasize that “time is of the essence” in finding a new donor. She is under the care of Dr. Anjay Rastogi, a specialist at CORE Kidney at UCLA Health.
Background on Health Conditions
Phillips has faced kidney disease since birth, with underdeveloped kidneys that required dialysis during her first three months in the NICU. Her ongoing struggle highlights the necessity for kidney health awareness and the importance of organ donation.
Call for Organ Donation
The situation surrounding Bijou Phillips underscores the critical need for living organ donors. Those interested in the donor process or who want to help can find resources through medical experts and organizations dedicated to kidney health.