Good Morning America recently interviewed Cedars-Sinai cardiologist Erika Jones, MDand Laura DiChiacchio, MD, PhDa cardiothoracic surgeon in the Smidt Heart Instituteto discuss the heart transplant received by Christopher “Kid” Reid of the iconic rap duo Kid ’n Play at Cedars-Sinai in August 2025.
Reid had been diagnosed with heart failure at Cedars-Sinai after experiencing fatigue and shortness of breath. The condition occurs when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood throughout the body, causing fluid to build up.
Reid told Good Morning America co-anchor Michael Strahan he initially dismissed his symptoms. He urged others—especially people of color—to seek medical care when something feels wrong.
“A lot of times, we don’t go because we don’t want the bad news, or we’re too busy just hustling, trying to make it from day to day,” Reid said. “And we … feel like we don’t got time, or we’ll get over it. Well, you might not.”
Jones told Good Morning America that during a follow-up visit, it was clear medications were no longer controlling Reid’s condition.
“He came in very swollen again,” she said, “and that is a little unusual in somebody who’s been started on treatment.”
DiChiacchio told Good Morning America that bloodwork revealed the condition was worsening and Reid needed an immediate heart transplant.
“So when we think about status for a heart transplant,” DiChiacchio said, “he was very high on that list because of how ill he was and really dealing with a kind of life or death situation.”
Days later a donor heart became available, and DiChiacchio and team successfully completed the transplant.
Reid told Strahan he is grateful for a second chance at life.
“This thing is … a beautiful life,” he said. “And, you know, I wanna be around for it.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6.7 million U.S. adults have heart failure. Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary artery disease, though regular exercise, adequate sleep and proper nutrition can lower risk.
Click here to watch the entire segment of Good Morning America.
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