TV star and comedian George Lopez put on a serious face at the Hyatt Regency’s Flower Garden as he discussed his life-threatening battle with Kidney Disease. His battle led him to become the national spokesperson of KEEP It Hollywood, The National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Early Evaluation Program.
Hollywood friends and family gathered to support the funny man as he detailed his cause and the simple, yet crucial steps toward prevention.
Prevention is the key”, said Ann Lopez, George’s wife and co-spokesperson. “There are many causes and the results are life-threatening. But it can be much easier if you take care of yourself by getting tested and catch it early”. And she would know, after all she saved George’s life.
Their Life-Changing Love
Today George is smiling. But five years ago, in 2003, he was diagnosed with the terminal illness. “It was a complete surprise," Ann continued. “He went in [to the doctor] for something else and luckily it was spotted".
The diagnosis was based on a birth defect that he had possessed all of his life, but never knew about it. Now he needed a blood transfusion to survive. Fortunately Ann shared the same blood type. She gave him the ultimate gift: continued life.
Spreading the Message
For the past three years, George and Ann Lopez have been the national spokespeople and use their Hollywood friends to help spread the message.
Universal City’s Hyatt Regency Flower Garden had five stations set up around the expansive room, each ready to deliver blood tests to the supportive celebs.
Nip/Tuck star Roma Maffia arrived happy, but nervous. “I want to be safe. I want to be healthy. I try to be and I think I am, but I won’t know until–” she gestured towards the nearby nurse. Moments later Maffia was seated and the test began. She glanced out the window at an awe-inspiring view of the valley as the Nurse took her sample. Then the acclaimed actress looked back with anticipation. She waited and watched on, as though it was a moment from her own dramatic cable TV show.
Poor Miss Maffia’s eyebrows jumped as the Nurse shook her head nervously. False alarm. The test didn’t come out and she would have to be re-tested. For the record, by the end, Roma Maffia was issued a clean bill of health.
Stars Have Personal Connections
Former Beverly Hills, 90210 TV alumni and co-star of James Brolin’s directorial debut “My Brother’s War” Jennie Garth came to also show her support. But her connection also involves family. “My father is on permanent home dialysis. It affects each of us every day of his life,” Garth shared. “Any support I can give, I will".
She proceeded to one of the testing stations. A few steps later, she turned back for a moment shining her memorable smile and saying, “Early prevention is the key. That’s why we’re testing today”.
"KEEPS" Keep Communities Safe
Ann Lopez encourages screenings and through KEEP offers them monthly. People particularly at risk include adults with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease.
KEEP provides three simple tests that determine kidney function to nearly 2,500 people each month in dozens of cities nationwide. Each participant receives a comprehensive health risk appraisal, blood pressure measurement, blood and urine testing and the opportunity to discuss their health with on-site physicians.
Already the nationwide testing has been a tremendous success and shown true results. 30% of the screened participants found they had some stage of the disease, while only 2% were previously aware.
