Comedian To Help Fight Kidney Disease
New York, NY – Comedian George Lopez is getting serious about a mission that’s close to his heart, or rather, his kidney. The co-creator and star of the hit ABC sitcom “George Lopez” and his wife, Ann, have been named national spokespeople for the National Kidney Foundation .
Lopezs wife donated a kidney to him last April. Lopez suffered from a genetic condition that caused his kidneys to deteriorate, and needed the transplant in order to survive. Now he plans to spread the word about the need for early detection of kidney disease and the critical shortage of donated organs for transplantation.
“If laughter is the best medicine, I promise to continue to make you laugh as my wife and I work together with the National Kidney Foundation to save lives,” says Lopez.
One in nine American adults has chronic kidney disease and most dont even know it,” says Fred Brown, the foundations Chairman. “Were committed to reaching those at risk and know that George Lopezs popularity, humor and personal experience with kidney disease will help us reach out to help more people.”
Lopez has been selling Donate Life charity bracelets on his web site to benefit the National Kidney Foundation. He has designated a block of tickets for an October 8 event at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, CA, An Evening of Comedy: The Who Told You That? concert to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California.
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COVID-19 patients can become kidney patients.
Celebrities Affected By Organ Transplantation
According to the U.S. Government Information on Organ Donation and Transplantation, there are more than 116,000 people waiting for a transplant.
The need for a life-saving transplant doesnt discriminate, so reading about the experiences of others can offer comfort to those facing similar health issues.
Here is a list of five high-profile transplant stories from the last two decades:
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References : 36 interviews and posts 5 Videos.
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George Lopez Illness & Health Update: What Happened To Him
George Lopez stepped off the stage in the middle of a New Years Eve event after being ill during his performance according to reports.
Lopez allegedly completed 30 to 45 minutes of his afternoon performance on Friday at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Auburn, Washington, before deciding he could not perform any further, according to witnesses.
George Lopez had diagnosed with kidney cancer in the year 2005. Lopez had recuperated from transplant surgery after his wife had given him a kidney.
The operation was performed at a hospital in Los Angeles. Lopez had a genetic disease that has caused kidney failure.
The Ann and George Lopez Foundation was established by the couple to promote awareness about kidney illness.
Lopez, the anchor of TBSs Lopez Tonight, and Serrano were spotted together at the Padres Contra El Cancers 25th annual banquet on Thursday.
After 17 years of marriage, George Lopez and his wife, screenwriter Ann Serrano Lopez, who famously donated one of her kidneys to him, are separating.
The cause of their divorce is yet to be revealed on social media platforms.
Comedian George Lopez Has Genetic Kidney Disease
LOS ANGELES, April 26-Comedian George Lopez is recuperating from transplant surgery after receiving a kidney donated by his wife.
A spokesperson for Lopez, who stars in the ABC sitcom “George Lopez,” said the operation took place at a Los Angeles hospital last week. The spokesperson said Lopez has a genetic disorder that caused kidney failure.
While the exact nature of Lopez’ illness was not disclosed, polycystic kidney disease is the most common genetic disorder that causes kidney failure. The disease is characterized by the growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which slowly replace much of the mass of the kidneys. Eventually there may be sufficient loss of kidney function so that the kidneys fail.
Action Points
- Advise patients who are concerned about the risks of polycystic kidney disease that genetic testing is available for those who have family history of the disease.
- For most people hypertension and diabetes are the most significant risk factors for end stage renal disease. Discuss the role of exercise and a weight control diet to reduce the risk of diabetes and hypertension. Discuss appropriate medical therapies with patients who require more than lifestyle modification.
About one-half of those with the major type of polycystic kidney disease progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or kidney transplant, which makes it the fourth leading cause of end stage renal disease.
Additional symptoms include:
- Aneurysms
- Diverticulosis
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George Lopez Lost 25lb After Getting The Kidney Transplant
George Edward Lopez is an American actor and comedian who was born in the year 1961. George Lopezs work was centered around race and ethnic relations as well as Mexican American culture. Lopez was famously known for his self-produced sitcom which was later picked by ABC as there were not many Hispanic oriented sitcoms at that moment in the television industry.
This was the first breakthrough for George who kept on going. In the year 2009, George started his own late-night talk show on TBS that was entitled as Lopez Tonight, that kept on going for two seasons and ended in August 2011.
On April 18, 2013, it was announced that Lopez would be starring in his own sitcom on FX called Saint George. George Lopez even wrote an autobiography Why you Crying that was listed among New York bestsellers top 20.
The Latino actor actively took part in acting too where he played multiple roles including the villain role in The Spy Next Door with Jackie Chan. He was also a part of Real Woman Have Curves, Bread and Roses, ABC Wonderful World of Disney and The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl.
George Lopez’s Kidney Transplant: A Life
Associated Press
THURSDAY, March 12, 2009 It’s barely past 8 a.m. on World Kidney Day, but funnyman and actor George Lopez is in overdrive, bouncing back and forth from television interviewers to radio remotes to Internet and print reporters, trying to spread the word about the importance of screening for kidney disease.
Nearby, his wife Ann, who donated her kidney when Lopez needed a transplant in 2005, is keeping pace with her own interviews, often stopping to hug a friend or wave hello across the room in between sound bites.
Both are quick with the quip, blending humor with education about the importance of kidney health and screening for kidney disease. Says Ann: “Be nice to your spouse. You never know when you’ll need spare parts.”On an early-morning radio interview a few moments earlier, George had urged listeners to come down, get screened, and, he added, have a drink, too.
World Kidney Day took place all around the world today, but this Hollywood version sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California had its own unique twist. It was actually held at a barGuy’s North, a trendy watering hole in Studio City just upstairs from a bowling alley called Pinz, where the din of bowling pins can be heard over the clinking of glasses.
Ann and George Lopez are national spokespeople for the National Kidney Foundation. And dozens of celebrities attended the days eventcalled KEEP it Hollywoodwhich included free mini-screenings for kidney disease.
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Why Did Sandra Bullock Appear On George Lopez
During his wide-ranging conversation with Howard, Lopez told the story about how Sandra Bullock developed his first sitcom. Lopez was a struggling comedian at the time and admitted he felt jealousy towards his peers who were receiving network shows. Bullock was looking for someone to develop a sitcom around.
How Has George Lopez Contributed To Society
OVERVIEW: George Lopez founded the George Lopez Foundation, whose mission is to create positive, permanent change for underprivileged children, adults and military families confronting challenges in education and health, as well as increasing community awareness about kidney disease and organ donation.
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Ann Serrano Donated A Kidney To George Lopez
Though their marriage had its ups and downs, Serrano helped Lopez through one of the biggest crises of his life. Back then, Lopezs career was on the rise, but his kidneys were failing him.
The comedian has a genetic condition in which his kidneys deteriorate rapidly. As a child, his grandparents were unkind to him about his bed-wetting problem. They didnt take him to a doctor for the problem, though. As a result, Lopez was diagnosed very late in life.
In April 2004, he was in need of a kidney transplant. But there was a five-year waiting list.
Thats when Serrano stepped in as the donor. On April 19, 2005, Lopez checked into the hospital under a fake name. He underwent a successful transplant surgery, recovering enough to get back to work.
Lopez has long used his fame as a platform to spread awareness about kidney disease. And he also makes sure everyone knows that he is alive because of Serrano.
Ann Serrano, George Lopezs wax figure, Mayan Lopez, and comedian/TV personality George Lopez attend Madame Tussauds George Lopez Wax Figure Unveiling at Madame Tussauds on April 1, 2010 in Hollywood, California.
Is George Lopez Dead Or Alive
Talking about his health condition, he is suffering from Kidney disease for over a decade and he did not share his condition with people or any on social media platforms. Lopez has been appeared to go for the event of Muckleshoot Center. Just a few moments, Georges body showed signs of distress and pain and felt in a broken way. And in that situation, an ambulance has called to the site and left the stage saying apologies to his fans
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Clues To Kidney Disease
At 17, George also had high blood pressure, which can be both a symptom ofand a precursor to kidney disease.
Looking back, he’s shocked that someone as young as he had hypertension. Atthe time, though, it raised no alarms, nor did the fatigue that had begun toplague him as an adult. He rarely saw a doctor. George says he believes thereason is, in large measure, cultural: “Latinos, we only go to the doctorwhen we are bleeding. We forget about things internal. Fatigue is justfatigue.”
George’s condition is only one path to kidney failure. The most common causeis diabetes, in which a buildup of sugar in the blood has a similarly poisonouseffect. High blood pressure is another cause — and an effect — of failingkidneys. An estimated 375,000 Americans are currently undergoing treatment forkidney failure. It kills nearly 70,000 people each year.
Latinos are twice as likely as whites to develop diabetes, according to theNational Kidney Foundation, putting them at greater risk for kidney disease aswell. An estimated 13% of the Latino population has been diagnosed withdiabetes. Many more have the disease and don’t know it.
“The people who come to see me do stand-up, they never go to thedoctor,” George says of the many Latinos in the audience at his comedyshows. “I tell them, you need to go! You need to get your blood checked.That can tell you so much.”
George Lopez Falls Ill During Nye Show Walks Offstage As Ambulance Arrives
George Lopez had to cancel his New Year’s Eve comedy show after he fell ill onstage in the middle of his set.
The Grammy-nominated comedian, 60, walked off the stage during his show on Friday afternoon at Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Auburn, Washington, where an ambulance arrived shortly after, according to TMZ. It’s unclear if Lopez was transported to a hospital.
A rep for Lopez and the Valley Regional Fire Authority did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Muckleshoot Casino Resort
Sabrina Alvarez, who was in attendance at the show, told TMZ that the El Chicano actor began sweating and asking for water around 30 to 45 minutes into his set. In a video clip shared by the outlet, Lopez appeared to be in distress as he apologized to the audience.
“You could tell something was wrong, but it was not clear what was wrong,” Alvarez said.
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The casino also cancelled his later show that evening, rescheduling it for March 18. “It is with sincere apologies that we must announce the cancellation of tonight’s 8 pm performance by George Lopez,” Muckleshoot announced on Twitter.
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George Lopez Divorcing Wife Ann After 17 Years
George Lopez and his wife, Ann, have mutually agreed to divorce, The Ministry has confirmed.
“George and Ann Lopez have made the decision to end their 17-year marriage. The decision is amicable and by mutual agreement. They remain dedicated parents, and committed partners in business and their philanthropic organization, the Lopez Foundation, said a rep for Lopez in a statement.
The late-night host and comedian has been negotiating the terms of his split from the 17-year marriage “for a long time,” according to TMZ.
The pair tied the knot in 1993 and have a 15-year-old daughter.
The couple stepped out together just last week, to attend the yearly gala for Padres Contra el Cancer — the Eva Longoria Parker-fronted charity that Lopez has long supported.
HuffPo notes that in 2005, Lopez underwent a kidney transplant. His wife was the donor.
— Matt Donnelly
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After Receiving Kidney From Wife George Lopez Divorces Her
Home » Blog » After receiving kidney from wife, George Lopez divorces her
On behalf of The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C. posted in Divorce on Thursday, July 14, 2011
When most people divorce, they split the property they accumulated during their marriage. It would be difficult for comedian George Lopez to split one small piece of property he received while married. Its a kidney.
And he got the kidney from his wife, Ann, from whom his divorce has just been finalized, according to media sources.
While a kidney donation clearly wasnt enough to keep Lopez tied to his wife, its reported that their split is an amicable one rather than rancorous.
The couple had been married 17 years.
A spokesperson for Lopez said late last year when the paperwork for the marriage dissolution were officially filed that the couple remains dedicated to raising their daughter, and committed as well to continuing their business endeavors and philanthropic efforts carried out by The Lopez Foundation.
Ann Lopez donated a kidney to her husband in 2005.
George Lopez suffers from a genetic condition that damaged the organs.
He currently hosts a late-night talk show Mondays through Thursdays on TBS called Lopez Tonight.
Their divorce is an example of how affection and respect can continue past the end of the marriage, especially when people have ties that will bind them forever, such as a child and the donation of an organ.
Meet Ann Serrano And George Lopezs Daughter Mayan Lopez
Serrano and George Lopez welcomed their daughter, Mayan Lopez, on April 2, 1996. But George did not become a family man right away.
At the time, the comedian was working late into the night and drinking too much. George cited his own experiences with his guardians as the reason behind his poor behavior. Georges father had walked out on him and he was neglected by his mother and grandparents for most of his childhood.
Serrano, a new mom then, had run out of patience, so she kicked him out. In the middle of the night I filled up his car with all his clothes, all his toiletries, a frying pan, toilet paper, she said. It was like, buddy, youre not coming back. And I changed the locks.
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George Lopez Gives Health Update After Getting Sick During New Year’s Eve Show
George Lopez is feeling better after falling ill on-stage in the middle of a New Year’s Eve performance. The comedian, 60, was forced to cancel the show after feeling like he was going to “pass out,” he told The View panel Friday during an appearance on the ABC daytime talk show. Asked about his condition right off the bat, Lopez revealed that COVID was an initial concern.
“I was around some people that had tested positive … I didn’t test positive,” he explained. “In April, it’ll be 17 years since I had my kidney transplant from my ex-wife. I have no immunity against what is going on in the world. I got on stage and I felt, you know, hot in the beginning and I was sweating. I started to kind of see flashes of like red. I thought, ‘I think I’m gonna pass out.’ I sat down and got right back up.”
GEORGE LOPEZ’S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE FOR ANA! Our celebrated her birthday over #TheViews holiday break, but we surprised her today with her friend ! Hear Georges favorite story about Ana and what he gifted her to celebrate her special day!
The View
He continued, “I was really hot. I think my temperature was 102.9. The paramedics did come and checked me out. I checked out OK. I was a little concerned. Upper respiratory for me and dehydration is a bad thing for me … I’m better now.”