Actress Bijou Phillips Still Awaiting Kidney Match After 1,000 Donors Volunteer
More than 1,000 people have stepped forward in a remarkable effort to help save the life of actress Bijou Phillips, but a compatible kidney donor has not yet been found. Sources with direct knowledge of the situation confirm that over 1,000 potential donors volunteered after news broke that Phillips urgently requires a second kidney transplant. Despite this overwhelming response, medical professionals have been unable to identify a suitable match.
Critical Blood Type Requirements and Ongoing Search
Phillips has a rare blood type of B negative, which significantly narrows the pool of potential donors. She requires a kidney from someone with B negative, B positive, O negative, or O positive blood. Those close to the actress are encouraging more people to undergo testing, given the critical nature of her condition and the specific medical criteria that must be met.
The actress remains hospitalized and is currently undergoing regular dialysis treatments, which sources describe as physically exhausting and demanding. While she is reported to be alert and able to communicate, her health status fluctuates daily, with periods of relative stability interspersed with more challenging hours. It is understood that she will likely remain in the hospital until a compatible donor is identified and the transplant procedure can be scheduled.
Family Support and Medical History
Family members have been a constant presence by her side throughout this difficult time. Her half-sisters, singer Chynna Phillips and actress Mackenzie Phillips, have visited her in the hospital, and her daughter, Fianna, has also been spending significant time with her. When her daughter is not present, Phillips is cared for by other relatives and a close family friend, ensuring she has continuous support.
Phillips is receiving treatment at UCLA under the expert care of Dr. Anjay Rastogi at CORE Kidney. She previously underwent a kidney transplant in 2017, receiving a kidney from a friend. Unfortunately, that kidney has since failed due to complications, including an infection with the BK virus, which led to both cellular and antibody rejection. Her representative has confirmed these details, highlighting the complexities of her medical journey.
Lifelong Battle with Kidney Disease
Born with underdeveloped kidneys, Phillips spent the first three months of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on dialysis. She has battled kidney disease throughout her life, making this current situation particularly poignant. The search for a new kidney is urgent, as her condition requires immediate and compatible intervention to ensure her long-term health and survival.
The medical team continues to evaluate potential donors from the pool of volunteers, emphasizing the importance of blood type compatibility and overall health suitability. The public response has been heartening, but the specific medical requirements mean that the search must be thorough and precise. Phillips and her family remain hopeful that a match will be found soon, allowing her to undergo the life-saving transplant she desperately needs.
