Bijou Phillips Hospitalized in Los Angeles Amid Critical Kidney Search
Actress Bijou Phillips has been hospitalized in Los Angeles this week, facing a dire medical situation as she urgently requires a kidney transplant. The 45-year-old star, who is currently on dialysis, made a public plea on Instagram for potential donors, which prompted over 1,000 people to share their information in hopes of being a match.
No Match Found Despite Overwhelming Response
According to sources cited by TMZ on Thursday, Phillips's doctors have not yet identified a suitable donor from the new wave of applicants. The actress has a link to a survey form in her Instagram bio, allowing interested individuals to check their compatibility. One key question focuses on blood type, as Phillips has type B negative blood, meaning she needs a donor with B negative, B positive, O negative, or O positive blood.
Despite the significant outpouring of support, many potential donors may not know their blood type, so they are being encouraged to get tested. Sources indicate that Phillips is expected to remain in the hospital until a matching donor is found, as her condition is particularly severe due to her kidney issues.
Family Support and Health Struggles
Phillips is reportedly surrounded by family during this challenging time. Her half-sisters, Chynna and Mackenzie Phillips, have visited her, along with her 12-year-old daughter, Fianna. Other family members and close friends have been alternating visits to provide support. A source told Us Weekly that Phillips's condition is "dire," noting that dialysis has limitations due to natural wear on her other kidney and long-standing health problems.
Friends and family have undergone testing to see if they could be donors, but so far, no prospective matches have emerged. However, Phillips remains optimistic that a donor could be found within a couple of months. She has also received visits from friends Paris and Nicky Hilton.
History of Kidney Disease and Previous Transplant
In emotional Instagram posts, Phillips detailed her lifelong battle with kidney disease. She was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent her first three months in the NICU on dialysis. In 2017, she received a kidney transplant from a friend, which gave her five precious years with her daughter. However, complications, including the BK virus, led to cellular and antibody rejection, necessitating her return to dialysis.
Her last public appearance was at Paris Hilton's documentary premiere a few weeks ago. Shortly after news of her hospitalization broke, Phillips posted a plea on Instagram, urging followers to share her message and consider becoming living donors. She emphasized the urgency, writing, "Time is of the essence," and appealed as a mother, sister, and aunt.
Background and Personal Life
Phillips's health struggles first became public in February 2017 when she was hospitalized with a blood infection. A representative noted she had been quietly dealing with kidney disease for years. She married actor Danny Masterson in 2011, and they welcomed their daughter in 2014. In September 2023, Phillips filed for divorce from Masterson, citing irreconcilable differences, shortly after he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape. She also sought to change her daughter's last name.
Back in 2017, Masterson shared news of her first transplant, calling it a "100% successful transplant" and thanking the donor. According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney transplant recipients face risks, with about a 4% chance of failure in the first year and 21% after five years.
As Phillips continues her fight, the search for a donor remains critical, with her health fluctuating daily and her spirit buoyed by family and friends.
