Jimmy Kimmel has shared an update about his ‘brave’ son after the seven-year-old underwent open-heart surgery for the third time. Kimmel revealed on social media that his son Billy, who was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, recently had another cardiac surgery.
A Journey Through Heart Surgeries
Kimmel recalled the history of Billy’s health issues, mentioning that he was just a few days old when he was first diagnosed. In his emotional 2017 monologue, Kimmel explained: They did an X-ray and his lungs were fine which meant his heart wasn’t.
Facing Challenges With Optimism
This weekend, our boy Billy had his third (of three, we hope) open heart surgery,” Kimmel posted on Instagram. We went into this experience with a lot of optimism and nearly as much fear and came out with a new valve inside a happy, healthy kid.
A Reassuring Outcome
Molly McNearney added: I want you to know it has a happy ending.
Billy’s First Health Crisis
In 2017, during a heartfelt episode on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Jimmy shared the terrifying moment when they discovered their newborn’s condition. Billy appeared to be a normal healthy baby at first but three hours after he was born, a nurse noticed a heart murmur and that he was turning purple.
The Lifesaving Team
Kimmel praised the LA Children’s Hospital staff for their tireless efforts. He encouraged followers to consider donating to the hospital where Billy has received exceptional care since birth. Walking around this hospital, meeting parents at their most vulnerable… is a humbling experience.
Tetralogy of Fallot Explained
Billy was born with Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia, a complex congenital heart defect requiring multiple surgeries. The condition includes ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy.
Kimmel’s transparency about his son’s medical journey has brought attention to congenital heart conditions and the importance of healthcare access for all children.
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