Grab your tissues and popcorn, because the saga of Jimmy Kimmel’s youngest, Billy, just had its third chapter in the Great Heart Surgery Chronicles. Spoiler alert: It’s a feel-good flick with a happy ending!
Our favorite late-night jokester, 56-year-old Jimmy Kimmel, and his wife, Molly McNearney, have been starring in a real-life medical drama with their seven-year-old co-star, Billy. This weekend, the little hero underwent his third (and hopefully final) open heart surgery. Picture this: a pint-sized warrior grinning from a hospital bed, with a shiny new valve that’s the mechanical equivalent of a superhero upgrade.
Jimmy, our storyteller, started his social media monologue with all the flair of a proud papa. “This weekend, Billy had his third (yes, third!) open heart surgery. We entered this ordeal armed with optimism and a suitcase full of nerves, and emerged with a bionic boy who’s healthier and happier than ever,” he proclaimed. Alongside, a snapshot of a beaming Billy, looking like he just won the Super Bowl of Heart Surgeries.
But hold onto your hats, because the real MVPs are the medical squad. Led by the magnificent Dr. Vaughn Starnes (a name so heroic it could be in a Marvel movie), cardiologist Tim Casarez, and the dream team at CHLA. Jimmy gave shout-outs to enough nurses and practitioners to fill a Hallmark movie cast list: Misty, Ann, Sylvia, Dana, Caleigh, Nick, Bekah, Julie, Kenny, Caroline, Lisa, Stephanie, Ellize, Ivy, Pam, and Carrie. It was a regular Who’s Who of heart-healing heroes.
Taking a sentimental stroll through the hospital, Jimmy was in awe of parents holding their breath, kids battling through pain, and the miracle workers wielding stethoscopes and magic. He threw in a plug for the CHLA, praising its commitment to helping families without emptying their pockets, thanks in part to the Affordable Care Act and kind-hearted corporate giants like Disney. Yes, the same Disney that pays Jimmy to make us laugh nightly.
The thank-you train kept rolling with a special nod to Dr. Paul Viviano. Jimmy and his family have a new hero in their lives, and he’s not wearing a cape, but he might as well be. To the strangers who sent good vibes, the friends and family who rallied like a sports team, and Molly, who redefined mom strength, Jimmy tipped his hat. And Billy? He’s officially the toughest (and funniest) seven-year-old on the block.
Jimmy wrapped up his heartfelt saga with a plea to spread the love. “Support @ChildrensLA or a stellar kids’ hospital near you. Nothing’s more important than looking out for each other,” he said, his heart on his sleeve.
Billy’s journey started on April 21, 2007, with a dramatic entrance that required immediate heart surgery. Fast forward through seven years, a couple of surgeries, and a whole lot of courage, and here we are – celebrating a milestone with more gratitude than a Thanksgiving dinner.
Here’s to Billy, the pint-sized powerhouse, and to all the unsung heroes making miracles happen every day. With love and laughter, Jimmy.
