A friend of Perez Hilton has launched a GoFundMe page to support the blogger’s kids and his mother amid his mental health treatment.
“I’ve known Perez Hilton (Mario) for 14 years, and we have become very close friends, and during that time, he and his family have come to mean a great deal to me,” read the page, created by Tom D’Angora on Thursday, September 17. “With the support of his friends, I’m organizing this fundraiser to help his mother and his three children, Mario, Mia, and Mayte, during his treatment and recovery.”
The announcement noted that Hilton, 48, is “currently receiving full-time residential treatment” while focusing on his mental health and recovery following an August 4 livestream where he appeared to engage in acts of self-harm.
“This process will take time. In the meantime, his mother has stepped in to care for his children full-time and give them the stability and support they need,” the message continued. (Us confirmed last month that Hilton’s mother, Teresita Lavandeira, was granted temporary custody of his kids after the incident.)
“Like any grandmother who suddenly finds herself responsible for raising three growing children, she’s also taken on significant and unexpected expenses,” the friend’s message read. “She’s put much of her own life on hold to make sure the kids can continue going to school, participating in their normal activities, and having as much consistency as possible during an incredibly difficult time.”
The page, which has a goal of $25,000, noted that all donations will “benefit Perez’s mother and children only and help cover the additional costs of caring for three kids full-time,” adding that “none” of the funds will be used for Hilton “personally.”
“It’s been heartbreaking to watch someone I care about very much, along with his entire family who I also care very deeply for, go through this,” the description added. “More than anything, I want to see Perez recover and return to a happy and fulfilling life as a father, son, brother, and a great friend.”
The page concluded, “Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help support the kids and their grandmother during the months ahead. If you’re not in a position to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would also mean a great deal. Thank you for helping care for the people Perez loves most while he does the difficult work of getting better.”
The GoFundMe raised more than $700 in two hours.
Hilton was hospitalized following the disturbing livestream in early August and required surgery due to significant blood loss. After remaining in the hospital for several weeks, Hilton relocated to an inpatient treatment facility to focus on his mental health and recovery.
“This was an important next step, but there’s still a long road ahead,” his family said in an update shared via his website on Monday, September 14. “Perez is expected to remain in residential treatment for several more weeks, potentially longer, depending on what his treatment team believes is best for his recovery.”
The statement added, “Perez is alive, he’s getting help and he’s surrounded by people who want to see him healthy and happy again. Right now, those are the things that matter most.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
