Actress Bijou Phillips has revealed that she is back in the hospital and urgently needs a kidney donor. In an emotional message shared on Instagram, the star of the film Almost Famous described her ongoing health challenges and her desire to continue being present for her daughter, Fianna. At 45 years old, Phillips is facing another round of medical complications, including a return to dialysis.
On March 15, 2024, Phillips reached out to her followers, sharing photographs with her 11-year-old daughter. She emphasized that her plea is not just from an actress, but as a “friend, sister, aunt,” and most importantly, “a single mother” who wishes to be there for her daughter. In her post, she expressed the urgency of her situation, stating, “Time is of the essence.”
Health Struggles and Previous Transplant
Phillips has a long history of kidney issues, as she was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent her first three months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) undergoing dialysis. In 2017, a close friend donated a kidney, granting her what she described as “eight precious years” to raise her daughter. However, she has faced ongoing complications since the transplant, including a battle with the BK virus, which has led to both cellular and antibody rejection of the new kidney.
Currently, she is receiving treatment from Dr. Anjay Rastogi at UCLA. Phillips’ health situation has prompted her to seek living donors as she strives to secure more time with her daughter, family, and friends. “I want more time with my daughter, loved ones, and close friends,” she stated in her heartfelt message.
Background on Previous Health Management
When Phillips first required a kidney transplant in 2017, a spokesperson noted that she had maintained a low-stress lifestyle and followed a vegan diet before beginning dialysis. Just two months later, she underwent the transplant, which was described by her then-husband, Danny Masterson, as “100% successful.” Despite this initial success, the actress has encountered various health setbacks that have led her back to dialysis.
Phillips’ current situation highlights the critical need for organ donors, especially living donors who can provide a kidney to those in urgent need. Her emotional plea serves not only as a personal request but also as a reminder of the ongoing challenges many face in securing life-saving medical care.
As Phillips continues her search for a kidney donor, her focus remains on the well-being of her daughter and her desire to build a future together.
