Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland has revealed how having to undergo two kidney transplants left her “contemplating suicide.”
The 28-year-old opened up about being born with kidney dysplasia, meaning her kidneys didn’t fully develop at birth.
Speaking to Self magazine, Hyland told how her body rejected a kidney donated to her by her father when she was 21-years-old.
She said: “I had gone through [my whole life] always being a burden. When a family member gives you a second chance at life, and it fails, it almost feels like it’s your fault. It’s not. But it does.
“At that time, I was very depressed. For a long time, I was contemplating suicide, because I didn’t want to fail my little brother like I failed my dad.”
Hyland was treated with dialysis after her body started to reject her father’s kidney, two years ago.
During her treatment, doctors discovered her brother was a match, after he insisted he “had her back.”
Admitting she spent “26 years of always being a burden”, Hyland highlighted that she is now “stable.”
She said: “I'm thriving. I'm super happy with life.”
After the interview was published the sitcom star posted a message saying she was hopeful sharing her story would make others feel like “they’re not alone”.
Hyland wrote: “Hopefully those that are lucky enough not to experience this will learn something new and take a moment to appreciate their health.”
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