Two kidney transplants, pain, and multiple surgeries: A look at Modern Family star Sarah Hyland's battle with kidney dysplasia

Sarah Hyland is best known for her role as Haley Dunphy, the oldest of three siblings in the extremely popular sitcom Modern Family. While on-screen, the actress was known for her wild lifestyle, in real-life, the now 35-year-old has battled a severe health condition, all through her growing up years.
What does the actress suffer from
Sarah was born with with Renal (kidney) dysplasia, which is a condition, where one or both kidneys develop abnormally when the baby is in the womb. The condition advances permanently and will result in kidney failure which caused Sarah to develop this condition. Let's take a look...

Growing up sick in the spotlight
Sarah has received medical treatment for her kidney dysplasia throughout her entire life, starting from her childhood until she became an adult. She soared in her career, while dealing with a severe non-visible medical condition, which she needed to control during her television appearances.


By the time she was 21, her kidney function had fallen so low that she needed a transplant to stay well. She has said that even while filming “Modern Family,” she was in chronic pain and so exhausted that she sometimes slept between takes, and cannot remember shooting certain scenes.
Her first kidney transplant-a gift from her father
In 2012, Sarah’s father, actor Edward James Hyland, donated one of his kidneys to her in a major, life-saving surgery.

Rejection, dialysis, and starting over
Sadly, after a few years, Sarah’s body began to reject her father’s kidney. This is quite common, as the immune system often identifies the transplanted kidney as foreign tissue, which leads to organ rejection through a process of gradual damage.

She required dialysis treatment for survival after her kidney organ failed during the time she needed to wait for another transplant. Dialysis is a machine-based blood purification system, which patients need to undergo multiple times per week for extended periods of time.

A second transplant and a “third chance at life”
In 2017, Sarah’s younger brother Ian was found to be a match and donated one of his kidneys to her. The second transplant operation brought her successful results, which led to better life quality and increased her energy levels.

She views her kidney as her "third chance at life", because each kidney transplant forced her to start life all over again. She needs to continue taking her medications after surgery and she must keep all doctor appointments to monitor rejection, and infection signs.

Living with kidney disease today
Today, Sarah continues to work in Hollywood while living with a transplanted kidney and other health issues such as endometriosis and past surgeries. Her life demonstrates that people who have kidney dysplasia and kidney failure can lead normal, active lives, but they must endure multiple years of medical care, physical exhaustion and mental distress which others cannot understand. She has used her life experiences to raise public understanding about organ donation, kidney disease and the requirement for mental health services for people who have chronic medical conditions.

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice







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