Modern Family star Sarah Hyland has always been outspoken about her health issues, using her voice to raise awareness. In 2012, the actress revealed she suffered from kidney dysplasia, which required her to have a kidney transplant. Hyland's father served as the donor.
"You know that family is always going to be there for you "“ no matter what. My dad gave me a freakin' kidney!" she tells the magazine. "But it's also the families that you create outside of your family. And you really find out what kind of people you're friends with. It was just amazing, and it really opened my eyes to see who's there for me and who's not."
Hyland faced criticism earlier in 2017, with fans saying she was too thin and was "promoting an unhealthy lifestyle." The 27-year-old was quick to point out that her health meant she couldn't always keep weight on.
"I haven't had the greatest year. Maybe one day I'll talk about it but for now, I'd like my privacy. I will say that this year has brought a lot of changes and with that, physical changes," she wrote on Twitter. "I have been told that I can't work out. Which, for me, is very upsetting. I love to be STRONG. (I'll be using that word a lot) Strength is everything. Being strong has gotten me where I am. Both mentally and physically. I am not a fan of "˜being skinny.' "
"Considering I've basically been on bed rest for the past few months, I've lost a lot of muscle mass," Hyland continued. "My circumstances have put me in a place where I'm not in control of what my body looks like. So I strive to be as healthy as possible, as everyone should. Oh and no that's not photoshop. Those are my legs. Those are my arms. I write this because I've been accused of promoting anorexia in, ironically enough, an anti bullying post. And I want young girls to know that that's NOT my intention."
"I don't mind when you say that I look pregnant. Or fat. Because I know that my face is swollen from my medication that is saving my life," she added. "For those on Prednisone I know what you're going through and I commend you sticking it out as I have."
But that life-saving medication, or lack thereof, was the reason for a lot of pain in Hyland's life, and she's blaming CVS.
According to Hyland, the CVS Pharmacy where she was supposed to pick up a prescription had closed early, and she was unable to get her medication.
One Twitter user tried to put the blame on Hyland, saying she should have paid attention to operating hours, but the actress wasn't having it.
CVS responded to Hyland's concerns:
Some people questioned Hyland's decision to wait to fill her prescription until the last minute, but the actress explained that as well.
"I had already been about two and a half days with infection. If that infection is not treated soon [I'd have to go on dialysis]," she said in a series of videos posted online.
"I would also like to say for everyone else who has dealt with CVS problems, I feel your pain," she continued. "Thank you so much for reaching out and telling me yours so that I don't feel like a crazy person. You guys are sweet and awesome. I'm also just in a bad mood because I'm in a lot of pain. So call me a b"”-, I really don't f"”ing care."
Hyland never stated whether or not the problem was solved, but at least she's brought awareness to the situation that otherwise would have stay covered.