On April 21, 2017, Jimmy Kimmel and his wife, Molly McNearney, gave birth to their first son, William “Billy” John. Just three hours after his birth, a nurse noticed Billy turning purple and he was later diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with pulmonary atresia, a rare heart defect.
As a result of the condition, Billy’s blood wasn’t receiving enough oxygen due to a hole in the right and left side of his heart. Just three days after his birth, Billy had successful open heart surgery for the first time. Seven months later, he had open heart surgery for the second time.
Now five years old, Billy is healthy and happy as ever. His condition still requires one more surgery, which Kimmel confirmed in an interview at the 2022 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala – he and his wife were in attendance on October 8th to support the Los Angeles hospital.
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The Kimmels hold a special place in their heart for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Not only was it the hospital that treated their son’s heart conditions, but it’s a hospital they’ve supported for years – well before the surgeries. The two often share how grateful they are for the charity.
“We never imagined that this organization that we’d supported financially and by hosting events for them would be a place that we needed to go — so that came as a bit of a shock, but it all worked out,” said Kimmel at the 2022 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala on Saturday.
The couple started dating in October 2009, got engaged in August 2012, tied the knot in July 2013, and had their first child – a daughter, Jane – in July 2014. Kimmel also shares a daughter (1991) and son (1993) with Gina Maddy – the two married in 1988 and divorced in 2002.
Held in Santa Monica, the gala acknowledged and appreciated the physicians, researchers, and caregivers that make what they do possible. It also recognized all the children that are battling for their life. Chris and Robert Pine hosted the gala, while Justin Timberlake performed.
Jimmy Kimmel Tried to Teach Billy About His Surgeries, But Billy Showed ‘No Interest’
At the gala on Saturday, Jimmy Kimmel shared a funny moment between him and his son, Billy. In an attempt to teach him about his heart surgeries – keep in mind, he’s just five years old – Kimmel took some time to explain the big scar on his chest. Billy wasn’t showing any interest.
“He has no idea what we’re up to (tonight), nor would he care,” said Kimmel, as reporters shared a laugh with the comedian and talk show host. “I tried to explain the heart surgery to him because he has a bit of scar down the center of his chest, and he has almost no interest.”
In an Instagram post back in April, while celebrating his son’s fifth birthday, Kimmel thanked the many doctors and nurses that played a role in his son’s surgeries and recovery.
“We are eternally grateful to the brilliant doctors and nurses at @ChildrensLA & @CedarsSinai for saving Billy’s life and to those of you whose donations, prayers and positive thoughts meant everything,” said Kimmel in the post.
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Kimmel and his wife have always urged others to support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for all the great work they do – not just for his own family, but for all the other families going through a difficult time. Your donations and continued support do not go unnoticed.
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