10 Celebrities Who Have Received Organ Transplants
You might think that money can fix any problem and that by that logic celebrities can fix any problem. But these stars needed something that sometimes money cannot buy, and they were very lucky to receive it: an organ transplant.
Sarah Hyland
“Modern Family” star Hyland was diagnosed with a kidney condition called kidney dysplasia when she was just nine years old. In 2012, at the age of 21, Hyland’s father donated his kidney to her.
Source: People.com
Lucy Davis
Davis is best known for her role on the British version of “The Office.” After Davis was diagnosed with kidney failure in the late 90’s, she received a kidney transplant. In 2005, Davis developed diabetes and was once again diagnosed with kidney failure.
Source: Diabetes.org.uk
Amy Purdy
“Dancing with the Stars” contestant Purdy puts on prosthetic feet, carbon fiber legs and machined wedges today when she wants to dance. Purdy lost her legs below the knees and her kidneys to bacterial meningitis. At the age of 21, her father donated one of his kidneys to her.
Source: Espn.go.com
George Lopez
Lopez has a genetic condition that causes kidney failure. When Lopez discovered he’d need a transplant, his wife at the time offered up her kidney. Lopez filmed 24 episodes of “The George Lopez” show while still waiting to do his surgery and suffering from kidney failure-related issues. He and his wife divorced in 2010.
Source: Webmd.com
Dick Cheney
Our former Vice President was very near death in 2011 when given a battery-operated heart pump. The pump kept Cheney alive until 2012, when he received a heart transplant. Cheney had suffered five heart attacks in his life.
Source: Huffingtonpost.com
Steve Jobs
Former Apple CEO Jobs needed a liver transplant when he was suffering from advanced liver disease. His transplant operation stirred up much controversy, as many believe Jobs skipped the line of thousands waiting for a transplant.
Source: Commercialappeal.com
Gary Coleman
Former child star Coleman suffered from a lifelong kidney condition, along with several other health problems. Coleman’s kidney condition was responsible for his stunted growth and he received two kidney transplants throughout his life, both of which caused him further health problems.
Source: Cnn.com
Tracy Morgan
Comedian Morgan proved that exes can be friends. In fact, they can save one another’s lives! Morgan needed a kidney transplant in 2010 and his ex girlfriend Tanisha Hall volunteered one of hers. Morgan reportedly hid the transplant surgery from his family until it was over.
Source: Radaronline.com
Erik Compton
Professional golfer Compton has received two heart transplants; his first was at age 12 and his second was at age 28, after he had driven himself to the hospital while suffering a heart attack.
Source: Golf.com
Ken Howard
Howard is an actor known for profile pieces, like playing Thomas Jefferson, and his recent election to National President of the Screen Actors Guild. After Howard received an incorrect diagnoses of a urinary blockage, his kidneys began to fail. In 2000, his friend Jeannie Epper donated her kidney to Howard.
Source: People.com