Jimmy Kimmel recounts son’s harrowing heart crisis after birth

May 2 (UPI) — Jimmy Kimmel announced the birth of his son Billy on Jimmy Kimmel Live! but quickly dissolved into tears as he described the baby’s health crisis.

“I try not to get emotional, but it was a scary story and before I go into it, I want you to know it has a happy ending,” Kimmel said, struggling to control his emotions in a monologue that was posted to Facebook early Tuesday. “So, when I am telling you this, don’t get too upset. Leave that to me.”

The comedian then went on to say his wife, Molly, gave birth to their second child on April 21 after an “easy delivery — six pushes and he was out.” At first, the boy appeared to be “a normal, healthy baby.”

However, three hours later, while he and his wife were introducing Billy to his family, a Cedars-Sinai nurse suspected something was wrong with the newborn’s color and heartbeat.

Kimmel went on to describe the “terrifying” experience of watching doctors, nurses and technicians trying to figure out what was wrong with his baby, then save his life after determining he had a blocked pulmonary valve and a hole between the two sides of his heart.

The baby was transported by ambulance to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, where he underwent open-heart surgery.

“This poor kid,” Kimmel went on showing a photo of his youngest child attached to numerous tubes and monitors.

“But this is what he looked like yesterday when we brought him home,” Kimmel said, revealing another picture of Billy wearing a hat and smiling. “Poor kid. Not only did he get a bad heart, but he got my face.”

Kimmel praised the hospitals and thanked by name all of the medical staff who helped Billy. He also acknowledged his family, friends and co-workers who offered their prayers, love and support during this difficult time.

“I hate saying it, but even that son of a [expletive] Matt Damon sent flowers,” he joked about the actor with whom he has had a long-running, comic rivalry.

Kimmel also urged viewers to donate money to Children’s Hospital.