Bijou Phillips, an actress known for her roles in films like Almost Famous, has opened up about her ongoing health crisis and the fight for her life, motivated by her desire to be there for her 12-year-old daughter, Fianna. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Phillips revealed the challenges she is facing due to her deteriorating kidney function and her urgent need for a transplant.
The 45-year-old Phillips has a history of kidney issues, having been born with underdeveloped kidneys. After spending her first three months on dialysis, she recovered but has struggled with limited kidney function throughout her life. In 2023, she was hospitalized again, prompting her to publicly share her story in hopes of raising awareness about organ donation and the realities of living with chronic health conditions.
Facing Mortality and Seeking Help
On February 11, 2023, Phillips took to social media to announce her hospitalization and the return to dialysis. “To put my health out there publicly was terrifying,” she admitted. Her friends and family, including her siblings and partner Jamie Mazur, have rallied around her, serving as advocates while she focuses on her recovery. “They took control and were like, ‘We’re doing this,’” Phillips said, expressing gratitude for her support system.
Despite the physical challenges she faces, including a catheter that restricts her ability to shower and dialysis sessions that can elevate her heart rate to 190 beats per minute, Phillips maintains a positive outlook. “I feel pretty good since I started dialysis,” she shared, though the search for a kidney donor remains critical. Her brother is a potential donor, but he was not a match during initial tests. He is now attempting to enter a kidney exchange program to help Phillips secure a suitable donor.
Raising Awareness About Organ Donation
Phillips is not only focused on her health but also on raising awareness about organ donation. “There are 90,000 people in America that need a kidney,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of understanding the struggles faced by those on dialysis. “Dialysis is not a cure… You really do need to get a kidney transplant,” she added, highlighting the often-overlooked challenges that patients experience.
The actress also discussed her experiences with the healthcare system, illustrating the difficulties many face in accessing proper medical care. Phillips shared that during her first transplant, her union, Screen Actors Guild (SAG), denied coverage, leading to months of appeals. Now, with multiple insurance policies and Medicare, she continues to face hurdles in obtaining necessary medications, often having to pay out of pocket. “The system is incredibly complicated, opaque, and stacked in ways that make it hard even for people with resources,” she explained.
As she navigates her health crisis, Phillips finds strength in her role as a mother. Her daughter, Fianna, has adapted to the situation with remarkable grace. “She’s the strongest little human… I’m just so proud to be her mother,” Phillips remarked, reflecting on the bond they share even during challenging times. The family’s routine often includes Phillips taking Fianna to school before heading to her dialysis appointments, striving to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the turmoil.
Phillips’s journey is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. She acknowledges the difficulties she has faced but remains hopeful for the future. “I’ve needed a transplant for a year. I’m sort of hanging on by a thread,” she said, emphasizing the urgency of her situation. Despite these challenges, she expresses a profound gratitude for life and the lessons learned through her experiences.
Through her openness, Phillips aims to inspire others facing similar struggles and advocate for greater awareness and support for those in need of organ transplants. Her story is a testament to the strength of family, the importance of community, and the ongoing fight for life.
