'Toughest boy': Jimmy Kimmel expresses gratitude as his son Billy, 7, undergoes third open heart surgery

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jimmy Kimmel, the renowned commentator and comedian, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude following his 7-year-old son William "Billy" John's successful completion of his third open-heart surgery.

On Monday, May 27, he shared a photo of his son smiling in a hospital bed. In his Instagram caption, the 56-year-old revealed that Billy had undergone another open-heart surgery over the weekend, per E News.

Jimmy Kimmel reveals his son had third open heart surgery

Billy, whom Kimmel shares with his wife Molly McNearney, was born with a congenital heart disease in 2017.

In the caption, he wrote, "This weekend, our boy Billy had his third (of three, we hope) open heart surgery. We went into this experience with a lot of optimism and nearly as much fear and came out with a new valve inside a happy, healthy kid."

Kimmel thanked Billy's doctors, nurses, and other "hard-working" staff at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

"Walking around this hospital, meeting parents at their most vulnerable, children in pain and the miracle workers who do everything in their considerable power to save them is a humbling experience. We hope you never need CHLA, but if you do - know that they help families regardless of their ability to pay, thanks largely to the Affordable Care Act (another salute to the late Senator John McCain), generous donations from companies like Disney, which I am proud to work for and especially from generous people like you," he continued.

In addition, Kimmel expressed gratitude to their friends and family for "rallying around us to an almost ridiculous extent" and to "strangers who took time to pray for and send positive energy to our baby."

The comic then paid tribute to his son Billy, describing him as "the toughest (and funniest) 7-year-old we know," and his wife, praising her for "being stronger than is reasonable for any mom to be."

"There are so many parents and children who aren’t fortunate enough to go home after five days," he continued. "Please share your love, hearts, and prayers with them and if it moves you, support @ChildrensLA (link in bio) or a great children’s hospital near you (@CMNHospitals). Nothing matters more than taking care of each other. With love and gratitude, Jimmy."

Last month, Kimmel reflected on his son's previous heart surgeries as he celebrated his 7th birthday.

Internet wishes speedy recovery to Billy 

Several social media users commented on Kimmel's post. An Instagram user wrote, "Sending love!!!!"

Another user wrote, "Children Hispital LA helped me as a kid and I am forever grateful and know the positivity and love they bring to all the kids and parents who need their help."

A user wrote, "Love you all so very much." A next user wrote, "Great news to hear!! And yes bless Children's Hospitals all over the planet. Glad you boy is doing well."

A user said, "Such a great post. So happy for you all He is a warrior just like his parents!!'"

Another user said, "Such a champion." 

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