Jimmy Kimmel Shares Positive Update on Son Billy's Health 7 Years After Surgery

Jimmy Kimmel Says Son Billy Is Doing Great in Birthday Tribute 7 Years After Open Heart Surgery 126

Jimmy Kimmel. Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Jimmy Kimmel shared a health update to mark his son Billy's 7th birthday. He expressed gratitude to the medical professionals at @ChildrensLA & @CedarsSinai for taking care of Billy. In an Instagram post on April 21, Kimmel mentioned that Billy is doing well and asked friends to donate $7 to help kids in the hospital. Billy's goal is to raise $100 for sick children, and he also mentioned wanting a spy kit. If you are interested in donating, you can find the link in Kimmel's bio.

Billy's birthday message included photos of him playfully putting his foot in Kimmel's camera. Another photo showed Kimmel's youngest child, sporting a Los Angeles Lakers jersey and holding a basketball with a big smile.

Since Billy's birth in April 2017, Kimmel has openly shared his son's health challenges. In an emotional monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! the following month, he revealed that Billy was born with a rare congenital heart defect.

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Billy was diagnosed with "tetralogy of fallot with pulmonary atresia," which meant his pulmonary valve was blocked and he had a hole in his heart. Shortly after his birth, he began turning purple and doctors discovered he had a heart murmur.

Dr. Vaughn Starnes performed surgery on Billy to fix one of the defects in his heart. With skill and precision, he opened the valve and successfully completed the operation. Billy's mother, Kimmel, described those three hours as the longest of her life, amazed by the magic Dr. Starnes performed in saving her son.

Kimmel and McNearney have a daughter named Jane, who is 9 years old. Kimmel also has a daughter named Katie, who is 32, and a son named Kevin, who is 30, with his ex-wife Gina Kimmel.

In September 2019, Kimmel shared with We that his son Billy was "doing great" two years after his heart surgery.

Kimmel joked, "He thinks he's Spider-Man now, so we're safe from crime. He wears the costume all the time and shoots webs all over the house."

The ABC star added, "He goes to preschool with his secret identity and transforms into Spider-Man when he gets home."

The following year, Kimmel and McNearney shared a video on his show documenting Billy's health journey.

Kimmel emphasized the importance of healthcare beyond the upcoming election. He urged viewers to refocus on the issue of preexisting conditions by sharing a video made by his wife about their own experience. He encouraged everyone to watch the video and pass it along to remind others about the significance of healthcare in the election.

Editor's P/S:

Jimmy Kimmel's heartwarming post highlights the incredible journey his son Billy has faced since his birth. The courage and resilience shown by Billy and his family serve as an inspiration to all. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of access to quality healthcare, especially for children with complex medical conditions. Kimmel's plea for donations to support sick children is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Furthermore, the article sheds light on the challenges faced by families with children with preexisting conditions. Kimmel's advocacy for healthcare reform underscores the urgent need to address this issue, ensuring that all individuals have access to the medical care they need, regardless of their circumstances. By sharing his family's story, Kimmel raises awareness about the impact of healthcare policies on real lives and calls for a renewed focus on protecting the health and well-being of all Americans.