Bijou Phillips Urgently Seeks Kidney Donor: What Is a BK Virus and How It's Threatening Her Kidneys

Bijou Phillips, the 45-year-old actress, has made a public plea for a living kidney donor as she faces serious health complications. Phillips shared an Instagram post on 11 February 2026, revealing she is back on dialysis and under the care of Dr. Anjay Rastogi at UCLA.

The actress emphasised the urgency of her situation, writing that she needs a donor to have more time with her daughter, Fianna, 11, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Danny Masterson.

'I need help finding a kidney. I am asking as a friend, a sister, an aunt, and most important, a single mother to an incredible and brave daughter,' Phillips wrote. She also urged potential donors to apply through a link in her Instagram bio and added that 'time is of the essence'.

History of Kidney Disease and Previous Transplant

Phillips was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent the first three months of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit on dialysis. She has battled kidney disease privately for many years, according to statements from her representatives.

In 2017, Phillips received a kidney transplant from a close friend. The transplant allowed her eight years of improved health, during which she focused on raising her daughter and maintaining a stress-free lifestyle, including following a vegan diet.

Despite these efforts, Phillips has faced ongoing complications, including infections and transplant-related issues, which have necessitated a return to dialysis.

Understanding the BK Virus

A major factor in Phillips' current health crisis is the BK virus. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the BK virus is a latent virus present in most people but can become reactivated in patients who take anti-rejection medication following organ transplants.

Reactivation can lead to kidney complications, including cellular and antibody rejection of the transplanted organ. Symptoms of BK virus reactivation may include fevers, muscle pain, trouble breathing, and seizures, although the severity varies between individuals.

Medical professionals consider the virus a significant risk for kidney transplant patients, as it can compromise the function of the transplanted kidney and lead to additional medical interventions, including dialysis or the need for a new transplant.

Current Condition and Search for Donors

Phillips confirmed in her post that she is back on dialysis and urgently needs a living kidney donor. Her representatives have previously noted that she was optimistic after a friend was found to be a potential match. However, complications from the BK virus have made finding a donor a critical priority once again.

The actress' message highlights the personal stakes of her health condition. Living kidney donation is a complex but potentially life-saving procedure, and Phillips' public appeal aims to reach individuals who could donate a kidney and help extend her life.

Raising Awareness of Kidney Disease

Phillips' situation also draws attention to kidney disease and post-transplant complications more broadly. Her public disclosure may help raise awareness of the challenges transplant patients face, including rare but serious conditions such as BK virus reactivation.

The case underscores the importance of timely organ donation and the critical need for living donors in urgent cases.

By sharing her experience, Phillips has not only alerted the public to her own urgent medical needs but also highlighted the broader issues surrounding kidney disease, dialysis, and post-transplant care.