Sarah Hyland was determined to not let health issues hold her back – and she feels like she’s won that battle.
The Modern Family star has been through a lot in the last few years. She had a kidney transplant back in 2012 after being diagnosed with kidney dysplasia, a condition which eventually causes the organ to malfunction. Hyland says that afterwards, she vowed to live an “extraordinary” life.
In an interview with Seventeen magazine, the 24-year-old actress revealed that doctors warned her mother about her health when she was a baby. “I was born with so many health issues that doctors told my mother I would never have a normal life. And she said, ‘You’re right, she won’t — but it won’t be because of her health.’”
Hyland, who covers the magazine’s May 2015 issue, added: “When my mother told me that story, it resonated with me: If I can’t have an ordinary life, I might as well have an extraordinary one. If you set your mind to something, you’ll achieve it.”
The brunette star took a restraining order out against her ex-boyfriend of five years, Matt Prokop, last September, claiming that he physically and verbally abused her.
Hyland is now dating Vampire Academy co-star Dominic Sherwood, 25. The loved-up pair were spotted canoodling at Coachella Music Festival this week.
“I am happiest when I am doing something I love. And I love Modern Family — it’s the best job I’ve had in my 20 years as an actress. It didn’t come easily or fast or free: It took me 14 years to land a gig like this,” she told the magazine.
“When you’re feeling vulnerable, it can lead to doubt and second-guessing. It will steer you away from your goals and your happiness. Once you have a goal, keep moving forward — even if you’re taking baby steps.”
Agencies/Canadajournal