GoFundMe Live As Perez Hilton’s Mom Puts Life ‘On Hold’ For Kids

Perez Hilton’s longtime friend has launched a fundraiser to support the celebrity blogger’s three children and their grandmother as he continues receiving residential mental health treatment. Tom D’Angora said Hilton’s mother, Teresita Lavandeira, has put much of her life on hold to care for Mario, Mia and Mayte full-time while their father focuses on his recovery. The campaign aims to help cover the unexpected expenses of raising three children and maintaining their school schedules, activities, and routines during an extraordinarily difficult period.

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D’Angora explained his connection to Hilton, whose legal name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., in the description of the family’s GoFundMe. “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,” he wrote. “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.”

D’Angora confirmed that Hilton is receiving intensive care and said the process is expected to take time. “Perez is currently receiving full-time residential treatment while he focuses on his mental health and recovery. 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,” he explained.

Hilton was hospitalized following a concerning TikTok livestream on August 4 in which he appeared to harm himself. His family subsequently said that he had suffered serious physical injuries and would require continued medical and psychiatric treatment.

The Fundraiser Will Only Benefit The Children And Their Grandmother

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The GoFundMe description emphasizes that none of the contributions will be used for Hilton’s personal expenses or treatment. “All funds raised will benefit Perez’s mother and children only and help cover the additional costs of caring for three kids full-time. None of the money will be used for Perez personally,” D’Angora stated.

He explained that Hilton’s mother had unexpectedly taken on the responsibilities and costs associated with caring for three growing children. “Like any grandmother who suddenly finds herself responsible for raising three growing children, she’s also taken on significant and unexpected expenses,” he wrote. “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.”

D’Angora said Hilton’s relatives and close friends have already been assisting the family but wanted to provide a way for others to contribute. “Perez’s family and friends are helping however we can. We also wanted to give the many people who have asked how they can help a way to do so,” he shared.

Perez Hilton’s Mother Received Temporary Custody Of His Children

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Lavandeira sought temporary custody of Hilton’s children following his hospitalization. The court granted her temporary custody on August 18. The children are Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, 8.

Hilton reportedly received supervised visitation rights, contingent on obtaining psychiatric clearance. The temporary arrangement also gives his mother responsibility for the children’s educational and medical needs.

The custody change was intended to provide the children with stability while Hilton remained unable to resume his normal parenting responsibilities.

His family later confirmed that the siblings have remained together and are doing well under their grandmother’s care.

His Family Says There Is ‘Still A Long Road Ahead’

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Hilton’s family provided an update on his condition in a September 14 statement posted to his website.

“We wanted to share an update with everyone who has continued to reach out, send messages, and share well wishes for Perez and our family,” the statement began. “After weeks in the hospital receiving treatment for his physical injuries, Perez entered a residential treatment program where he can focus fully on his mental health and recovery.”

Although his relatives described the transition as an “important step,” they cautioned, “There’s still a long road ahead.”

“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 family continued. “He still does not have access to his phone or laptop, and his contact with family and friends remains limited so that he can focus fully on getting better.”

The statement did not provide a specific timeline for Hilton’s release. His treatment team will determine how long he remains in residential care.

The Family Addresses False Reports About His Condition

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Hilton’s relatives also used the update to dispute several rumors about his physical and mental condition. The family denied reports that the 48-year-old had lost 10 years of his memory, believed it was 2016, or had asked to see Katy Perry. “He is lucid and communicates clearly with his family,” they stated.

They also reassured supporters about the well-being of Hilton’s children. The kids “remain together, safe, and doing well in the care of their grandmother,” the family shared.

Their update emphasized that maintaining stability, routine, and a sense of normalcy for the children remains a priority while Hilton works through his recovery.

Tom D’Angora Hopes Perez Hilton Can Return To His Family

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D’Angora described the emotional toll Hilton’s mental health crisis has taken on the people closest to him. “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,” he wrote. “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 fundraiser organizer said donations of any size could help Hilton’s mother continue caring for the children during the months ahead. “Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help support the kids and their grandmother during the months ahead,” D’Angora explained. “If you’re not in a position to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would also mean a great deal.”

He concluded, “Thank you for helping care for the people Perez loves most while he does the difficult work of getting better.”