Jimmy Kimmel's Son Billy, 7, Bravely Faces Third Open-Heart Surgery: A Remarkable Journey of Strength
Witness Jimmy Kimmel's touching narrative of his 7-year-old son, Billy, as he courageously undergoes his third open-heart surgery, showcasing incredible resilience and bravery during this challenging time.
Jimmy Kimmel and Wife Molly McNearny s Relationship Timeline
Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney, 2023. Andrew J Cunningham/Getty Images
Jimmy Kimmel has some great news to share about his 7-year-old son, Billy. Over Memorial Day Weekend, Billy underwent his third open-heart surgery, and it went well.
In an Instagram post on Monday, May 27, Kimmel, 56, expressed that they were filled with optimism and fear before the surgery. However, they are happy to report that Billy now has a new valve and is a happy, healthy child.
The late-night host shared a photo of his son, Billy, smiling in his hospital bed. He expressed gratitude to his son’s surgeon, Vaughn Starnes, cardiologist Tim Casarez, and the nurses and staff at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for their kindness and expertise.
In his caption, Kimmel reflected on the humbling experience of being in the hospital, meeting vulnerable parents, children in pain, and the dedicated healthcare professionals working to save lives. He thanked everyone who prayed for and sent positive energy to their baby, as well as their family and friends for their overwhelming support. Kimmel also praised his wife, Molly McNearney, for her incredible strength as a mother, and described Billy as the toughest and funniest 7 year-old they know.
Kimmel wants to remind us that not everyone is lucky enough to leave the hospital after just five days. Let's show our support by sending love and prayers to those families in need. If you feel compelled to help, consider donating to @ChildrensLA or a children's hospital near you like @CMNHospitals. Remember, taking care of each other is what truly matters.
Jimmy Kimmel, the host of the 2024 Oscars, has been open about his son's health challenges. His wife, McNearney, gave birth to Billy in April 2017. Just a month later, Kimmel shared an emotional monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! where he revealed that Billy was born with a rare congenital heart defect.
Billy was diagnosed with "tetralogy of fallot with pulmonary atresia," which meant his pulmonary valve was blocked and there was a hole in his heart. Just three hours after he was born, Billy began turning purple, and doctors discovered he had a heart murmur.
Shortly after, Dr. Vaughn Starnes performed surgery to fix one of the defects in Billy's heart. With a scalpel in hand, Dr. Starnes worked his magic, opening the valve successfully. Billy's mother, Kimmel, described those three hours as the longest of her life, but the operation was a success.
Kimmel and McNearney have a daughter named Jane, who is 9 years old. He also has a daughter named Katie, who is 32, and a son named Kevin, who is 30, with his ex-wife Gina Kimmel.
Two years after Billy's initial surgery, Kimmel mentioned in an interview that he was "doing great" and behaving like any other kid.
“He thinks he’s Spider-Man now, so we’re safe from crime,” Kimmel joked in 2019. “He wears the costume all the time. He’s shooting webs all over the house.”
Editor's P/S:
Jimmy Kimmel's heartwarming update on his son Billy's successful third open-heart surgery is a testament to the resilience and strength of this young boy. It is also a reminder of the incredible work done by healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to saving and improving the lives of children. The fact that Billy has now undergone three surgeries and is doing well is a testament to the advancements in medical care and the skill of his surgical team. It is also a reminder that there are many other children who are facing similar health challenges and need our support.
Kimmel's call to action, to donate to children's hospitals and support families in need, is a powerful one. By coming together and supporting these organizations, we can make a real difference in the lives of these children and their families. It is also important to remember that taking care of each other is what truly matters, and that by supporting one another, we can create a more compassionate and caring world.
