Bijou Phillips is facing a critical health crisis as she continues her urgent search for a kidney donor. The model and actress, currently undergoing dialysis, candidly shared her struggles in a recent interview, revealing that she has needed a kidney transplant for over a year. At 45, Phillips expressed, “I’m sort of hanging on by a thread.”
Having a history of kidney health issues—she was born with underdeveloped kidneys—Phillips previously received a kidney transplant from a friend in 2017. Unfortunately, that kidney is now failing, leading to her current hospitalization at UCLA Health for dialysis. She noted, “The medication you take when you’re transplanted is very toxic to the kidneys,” which contributes to the urgency of her situation. Her father also faced similar health challenges, having undergone a liver transplant when she was just a child.
In her heartfelt appeal, Phillips explained the precariousness of her health, stating, “I could make it on dialysis for a couple of years, or I could get an infection in my line tomorrow and be gone in a few days.” Despite these harrowing realities, she remains hopeful and determined to fight for her life, particularly for the sake of her 12-year-old daughter, Fianna. Phillips emphasized the importance of her role as a single mother, saying, “I want to be here for her, and I have to be here for her.”
In February, shortly after being hospitalized, Phillips took to social media to request assistance in finding a kidney donor, appealing to her community as a friend and a mother. Although her family and friends have undergone testing to see if they could serve as potential donors, there has yet to be a match. Nonetheless, those close to Phillips are optimistic about finding a donor in the coming months.
As she navigates this challenging time, Phillips exemplifies resilience and hope, focusing on the love for her daughter and the will to survive. Her journey raises awareness of the urgent need for organ donors and the challenges faced by individuals with similar health conditions. With continued support and advocacy, there is hope for Phillips and others in need of life-saving transplants.