jimmy kimmelson of billy As he celebrates his seventh birthday on Sunday, the talk show host is thanking the medical staff at two of Los Angeles' famous hospitals for helping him reach this milestone.
He and Billy are also raising money for the children there and paying it forward.
“Billy turns 7 today and is doing great thanks to the doctors, nurses, therapists and staff at @ChildrensLA and @CedarsSinai,” explained Jimmy, whose son needs surgery to correct a congenital heart defect.
“Billy is asking his friends, 'Because he's 7 years old, please give me $7 to help kids in the hospital,'” she continued, adding that her son “would also like to get a spy kit.” added.
Kimmel explained that Billy's goal was to “raise $100 to help sick children,” and encouraged others to join in.
Billy had his first open heart surgery when he was just 3 days old and another open heart surgery when he was 7 months old. After Kimmel's birth in 2017, his health came into the spotlight as he shared with his audience the trials the newborn faced. “Poor child. Not only has my heart gotten worse, but my face has gotten worse,” he said at the time.
Kimmel tearfully told viewers that Billy's first surgery was successful but “horrifying,” calling it “the longest three hours of my life.” At the time, Kimmel individually named the “awe-inspiring” doctors and nurses who saved Billy and countless others.
His son's health issues led him to become a health care advocate.
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