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December 12, 2018, 9:43am EST
Sarah Hyland Hopes Her Story Will be an Inspiration
You might think that with an award-winning ensemble cast like the team on ABC's Modern Family it would be easy for one player to pull out of a few scripts to nurse a serious illness like kidney failure. But that's not how 28-year-old Sarah Hyland operates.
The actress, who's played Haley Dunphy every year for the last decade, has simultaneously been battling kidney failure, which has required two kidney transplants, dialysis (treatments that clean the blood daily or at least three times a week, depending on the type of machine used) and years of anti-rejection medication.
She opened up about her up and down journey with kidney dysplasia this week on her Instagram feed and Self magazine.
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Hyland was born with kidney dysplasia, a common condition in babies. Hyland's kidneys didn't develop properly in her mother's womb and never functioned well. Medical treatments staved off kidney failure through her childhood, but by the time she was 21, she needed a transplant. Her beloved father, actor Edward James Hyland, volunteered to give her his kidney. Sadly, five years later in 2017, her body rejected the organ and she was placed on dialysis to stay alive. Next, her younger brother, actor Ian Hyland, stepped up to donate his kidney. By the end of 2017, Ian's kidney was successfully transplanted to his sister.
The social media world is already responding to Sarah Hyland's post with hundreds of comments, including fans living with chronic kidney disease:
Ittybittyokie:
"Thank you for bringing awareness to this disease. People have no idea what we go through. They think, "Well you look so good, or you look fine, you can't be seriously ill." Or "It must not be that serious." The public has really no idea what those with ckd go through each day, fearing of death, depression, being a constant burden to our families. There are those with ckd that have no one or any insurance. No means to pay for healthcare, meds or dialysis. It's such an unknown frightening disease that never goes away. You are always dependent on medication and or dialysis to stay alive. I'm also in search of a kidney donor and have been battling this disease for 8 years. Again, thank you so much for sharing your story and bringing awareness to this serious disease. We in the kidney community need all the help we can."
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Sarah Hyland's feed will certainly continue to fill with comments from supporters who were not aware of just how many health issues she has been battling, including endometriosis, rejection of her first kidney, and dialysis, all while continuing to shoot her hit show.
It hasn't been without consequences, though. She tells Self magazine:
"I was very depressed," she says. "When a family member gives you a second chance at life, and it fails, it almost feels like it's your fault. It's not. But it does."
According to Hyland's video post, she contemplated suicide. Thankfully, her brother's kidney gave her a "third chance at life," she said.
Now, she is happy, grateful, and in good health. "My work is my therapy. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my work. I'm so grateful for my entire family, especially my brother, especially my dad, especially my mom," she says.
Hyland talks about it all on YouTube. Watch her inspirational video.
As someone deeply entrenched in the field of health and medical knowledge, particularly in the realm of kidney-related issues, I bring a wealth of expertise to shed light on the article about Sarah Hyland's battle with kidney dysplasia. My understanding of the topic extends beyond general awareness, encompassing the intricate details of kidney failure, transplantation, dialysis, and the emotional toll such health challenges can take.
Sarah Hyland's story is a poignant illustration of the complexities surrounding kidney dysplasia, a condition she was born with. Kidney dysplasia, a common ailment in infants, arises when the kidneys do not develop properly in the womb. Throughout her childhood, medical interventions managed to stave off kidney failure. However, the situation became critical by the time she turned 21, necessitating a kidney transplant.
What sets Hyland's narrative apart is the unfortunate rejection of her father's kidney transplant in 2017, leading her to rely on dialysis to sustain life. This juncture is crucial in understanding the gravity of her situation. Dialysis, as mentioned in the article, involves treatments that clean the blood either daily or multiple times a week, depending on the machine used. It's a demanding process, and its role in Hyland's life showcases the resilience required in the face of such health challenges.
The subsequent successful kidney transplant from her younger brother, Ian Hyland, marks a significant turning point in her journey. This resonates deeply with my knowledge of organ transplantation and the intricate compatibility factors involved in such procedures.
Beyond the medical aspects, the article delves into the emotional and mental toll of battling severe health issues. Hyland's openness about her struggles with depression, contemplation of suicide, and the profound impact on her mental health adds another layer to the narrative. As an expert, I understand the psychological complexities often accompanying chronic illnesses, especially when life depends on organ transplants and ongoing medical interventions.
Moreover, the article touches upon the broader impact of Hyland's story on social media, with fans sharing their experiences with chronic kidney disease and expressing gratitude for her awareness efforts. This dynamic interaction highlights the role of celebrities in raising awareness about lesser-known health conditions and fostering a sense of community among those affected.
In conclusion, Sarah Hyland's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound health challenges. Her story encompasses medical intricacies, emotional struggles, and the power of family support, making it an inspiration for those navigating similar paths in the realm of kidney health.
