Perez Hilton’s friends are stepping in to support his family as the celebrity blogger continues receiving residential mental health treatment.
Hilton’s longtime friend, Tony-winning producer Tom D’Angora, has organized a GoFundMe to help Hilton’s mother, Teresita Lavandeira, care for his three children, Mario, Mia and Mayte. D’Angora says he has known Hilton, whose legal name is Mario Lavandeira, for 14 years.
© Getty ImagesThe fundraiser has a $25,000 goal and is specifically intended to help with expenses associated with caring for Hilton’s children while he focuses on his recovery. At the time the GoFundMe page was checked on Sept. 18, it showed $6,635 raised from 168 donations. Because donations are continuing, that total may change quickly.
Why Perez Hilton’s Friends Started a GoFundMe
According to D’Angora, Hilton is currently receiving full-time residential treatment and his mother has stepped in to care for his three children. That sudden change has reportedly brought additional expenses for Teresita, who is trying to maintain the children’s school schedules, activities and everyday routines while their father is away.
D’Angora states that the money will benefit Hilton’s mother and children and help cover the added costs of caring for the three kids full-time. He says none of the funds will be used for Hilton personally.
Hilton’s family has publicly backed the campaign. In a Sept. 17 post on his official website, his team and family identified D’Angora’s fundraiser as the official GoFundMe for the family and thanked people who had been asking how they could help.
Perez Hilton Remains in Residential Treatment
The fundraiser comes amid a difficult period for Hilton and his family.
Hilton was hospitalized on Aug. 4 following a mental health crisis and apparent self-harm during a livestream from his Miami home. His family subsequently disclosed that he suffered serious physical injuries and required an extended hospital stay.
© Getty ImagesOn Sept. 14, his family announced that Hilton had left the hospital and entered a residential treatment program focused on his mental health and recovery.
The family said he was expected to remain in residential care for several more weeks and potentially longer, depending on recommendations from his treatment team. His access to his phone and computer has also been restricted while he concentrates on treatment.
The update also addressed reports about Hilton’s condition, with his family disputing claims that he was experiencing severe memory problems or confusion. They said he was lucid and able to communicate.
Perez Hilton’s Mother Is Caring for His Three Kids
Hilton, 48, is a single father to three children: Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, 8.
© Getty ImagesHis mother has taken on responsibility for their day-to-day care during his recovery. Page Six previously reported that Teresita sought temporary custody in August with Hilton’s consent. He was later granted supervised visitation.
For the family, maintaining a sense of routine for the children has become a major priority.
D’Angora explains on the GoFundMe page that Teresita has put much of her own life on hold so the children can continue attending school, participating in their usual activities and maintaining as much consistency as possible.
Those everyday costs are the reason friends decided to create the fundraiser.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis in the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
