On Monday, Jimmy Kimmel gave an emotional support of the health care system. The host opened up about how his baby son needing an open heart surgery in April.
Jimmy addressed President Trump in the opening monolog regarding the important issue. Currently, the host is spending the rest of the week along with his family.
Not the usual Kimmel way
During his show, the host decided to open up about his son’s health crisis and address the health care issue. While he expressed relief and thanked for his little boy doing better, he took the chance to raise his voice.
In an emotional way Jimmy said, “If your baby is going to die, and it doesn’t have to, it shouldn’t matter how much money you make. Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat or something else, we all agree on that.”
Jimmy stressed the importance of continuing health insurance coverage for people with congenital or pre-existing conditions. Also, he delivered a passionate plea for continuing funding of medical research.
He went on saying “Don’t let partisan squabbles divide us on something that every decent person wants. ” Kimmel added. Finally, he said, “No parent should ever have to decide if they can afford to save their child’s life.”
Harrowing experience for the Kimmel family
Kimmel explained how after his wife, Molly McNearney gave birth to Billy at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Hospital a nurse detected a heart murmur and some purple coloration in his skin. Testing revealed Billy had a congenital heart defect called tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia.
“In layman’s terms, the pulmonary valve was completely blocked,” he explained, “and he has a hole in the wall between the left and right (ventricles) of his heart.”
The episode featured appearances by Dr. Mehmet Oz who explained how the heart works and Olympic gold medallist Shaun White who was born whit a similar heart condition.
Jimmy thanked the medical team, nurses and other personnel by name as he choked up his tears.
He even took the time to refer to his fake feud with friend Matt Damon and said, “Even that (expletive) Matt Damon sent flowers.”
Family time and a happy ending
On Tuesday well wishes flooded Twitter. Even former President Obama, whose ACA included coverage for patients with pre-existing conditions, tweeted Jimmy. Jimmy’s wife, Molly McNeraney responded, “Someone is angling to be Billy’s godfather.”
Kimmel is currently taking the week off to be with his family as Billy came back home earlier this week. Billy’s named William after Jimmy’s longtime TV partner Guillermo.
During Jimmy’s absence, guest hosts will fill in for the host, including Anthony Anderson (Wednesday), Kristen Bell (Thursday) and David Spade (Friday).
Source: Rolling Stone