In the United States, one in seven adults live with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This condition, which can be scary, confusing, and isolating, affects more people each year, though many don’t realize they have it until it’s in advanced stages. While CKD may be more common among people of certain ages and races, it can and does impact people across racial, ethnic, age, and other demographics. Fortunately, some celebrities have started publicly sharing their experiences with CKD, demonstrating that anyone can be affected by it, that it’s crucial to address it, and that it’s nothing to be ashamed about. They share their personal stories of resilience in the hope of inspiring others facing similar challenges.* 

Selena Gomez

The actress and former Disney darling was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease which, in about 30% to 50% of patients, leads to lupus nephritis, a disease in which  autoantibodies generated by the immune system attack the healthy delicate filtering system inside the kidneys that remove toxins and wastes from the blood. This condition can worsen over time and result in kidney failure. The disease led to Gomez undergoing a kidney transplant in 2017 at the age of 25. 

In a 2020 interview in which she discussed her experience of CKD and organ transplantation, Gomez shared, “That’s what makes you go: ‘You know what, I’m just happy to be alive.'”

Sarah Hyland

Born with kidney dysplasia, Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland underwent two kidney transplants by age 26. Kidney dysplasia is a condition in which one’s kidneys don’t develop fully while in the womb. Hyland’s body rejected the first transplant, a kidney donated by her father, but accepted the second one, donated by her younger brother. Still, she has had a total of 15 surgeries to address the condition and its complications. 

“There are some episodes of Modern Family where I do not remember filming because I was asleep,” through most of it, Hyland shared on an episode of Quitters Podcast. Despite challenges, however, she has continued to actively pursue her career and personal life, marrying her fiancé Wells Adams in August of 2022.

Stevie Wonder

Twenty-five-time Grammy winner Stevie Wonder underwent a kidney transplant in 2019 without disclosing the cause. Post-surgery, he feels rejuvenated, likening his energy to that of a much younger man.

During a 2020 virtual press conference the singer, now in his 70s, told viewers that, “I was blessed with a new kidney and…I feel great. My voice feels great. I told my daughter Aisha, ‘I’m going to be like five years younger than you now. I’m going from being 70 to being 40.’ I feel like I’m about 40 right now.”

George Lopez

Provocative comedian George Lopez experienced symptoms of kidney disease since childhood, urinating with abnormal frequency and wetting the bed, for which he was often teased, he wrote in his biography Why You Crying?. 

Lopez underwent a transplant in 2005, with a kidney donated by his then-wife, Ann Lopez. The surgery was successful, and Lopez was back to playing golf several weeks later. It’s been nearly 20 years since his transplant, and Lopez is still performing, with 11 comedy shows planned throughout 2024.

Why to speak out about CKD

There are many types of CKD, affecting both children and adults. It’s critical to manage CKD through a combination of diet, exercise, emotional support, and medical advice in order to maintain your quality of life with the disease. 

Speaking out about your CKD story–with friends and family, on social media, and to legislators– can be equally important, to raise awareness of the condition, encourage people who may be at risk to get screened and initiate treatment, and to inform policy makers of the prevalence of CKD and how it impacts individuals, families, and communities.  

*Manns, K. (2022, April 4). Stars Speak Out About Their Kidney Disease. HealthCentral. https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/stars-with-kidney-disease-speak-up 

Responsum Health closely vets all sources to ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, or procedure discussed within.