People
LOS ANGELES — “Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland says she had a second kidney transplant last year, replacing a kidney from her father with another from her brother.
Hyland detailed her lifelong health struggles in an interview in Self magazine, and tweeted Monday that she hopes it “spreads awareness of organ donation” and “brings a sense of support” to the “beautiful warriors” in the chronically ill community.
The 28-year old, who has appeared on the ABC sitcom “Modern Family” since she was 18, was born with kidney dysplasia, which causes cysts to grow on underdeveloped kidneys.
She received her father's kidney in 2012, but four years later her body began rejecting it, and she underwent a series of treatments that included months of dialysis that she squeezed in around “Modern Family” shoots, but it became increasingly clear that the kidney would have to be replaced.
“When a family member gives you a second chance at life, and it fails, it almost feels like it's your fault,” Hyland said. “It's not. But it does.”
The family learned Hyland's younger brother Ian was a match. She was reticent to take another organ from a loved one. He insisted.
“I only cared about Sarah knowing that I had her back and that she was going to be OK,” 23-year-old Ian Hyland told Self. “I probably would have insisted on donating even if I wasn't a match.”
Hyland had the second transplant in September of 2017, and is struggling to adjust to her changed body, but overall is recovering well.
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LONDON — Spice Girl Melanie Brown suffered an unexplained injury in New York that required surgery to prevent her from losing her hand.
Brown said online Monday she needed three hours of surgery to repair damage to her hand. She also said she suffered two broken ribs.
She posted a photograph on Instagram and thanked doctors and nurses for their “wonderful” work but did not explain how the accident occurred.
Brown canceled a book signing event in New York and apologized to fans who had bought tickets.
“Ohhh the pain, but I'm in super safe hands with the care of everyone here at the hospital!!!!! Thank you all for understanding, I love you all,” she said.
The Spice Girls are planning a reunion tour without the services of Victoria Beckham.
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LOS ANGELES — Actor Kirk Douglas got to celebrate his 102nd birthday with a special video message from his daughter-in-law.
Catherine Zeta-Jones shared a sweet tribute in an Instagram video Sunday. The actress and wife of Michael Douglas wrote, “Happy 102nd birthday to the most beautiful man. We love you Kirk.”
The video featured photos of Douglas throughout his movie career and with family members.
Douglas has been a Hollywood mainstay for decades and is perhaps best known for starring in the 1960 drama “Spartacus.”
By Associated Press
