Perez Hilton’s friend begs donors to rescue his family amid depression

**# Family Launches GoFundMe After His Residential Mental‑Health Treatment**

A GoFundMe campaign was launched on Thursday, September 17, by a longtime friend of blogger Perez Hilton to raise money for the celebrity’s mother and three children. The fundraiser aims to cover the additional costs of full‑time care while Hilton—now 48—is undergoing residential treatment following a self‑harm incident in early August.

The page, created by Tom D’Angora, states, “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.” The fundraiser’s goal is $25,000 and all donations will be directed solely to the mother and children; “none” of the funds will be used for Hilton personally.

Within two hours the page had already raised more than $700.

## Background & Context

first rose to prominence in 2004 with his eponymous gossip blog, which quickly became a go‑to source for celebrity news and commentary. Over the years he expanded into television, YouTube, and even publishing memoirs, cementing himself as one of the most recognizable online personalities.

Known for his flamboyant style and outspoken opinions, Hilton’s career has been punctuated by both acclaim and controversy—ranging from high‑profile feuds with other celebrities to candid revelations about his own struggles.

In early August, on August 4, Hilton streamed a video that appeared to show him engaging in self‑harm. The footage prompted an immediate medical response; he was hospitalized for surgery to address significant blood loss.

After several weeks of inpatient care, the decision was made for him to transition to a residential treatment facility dedicated to intensive mental‑health support. This step came after a period of heightened anxiety and depression that had been previously alluded to in his public statements, though never fully disclosed.

During this time, his mother, Teresita Lavandeira, was granted temporary custody of his three children. The family’s situation has been complicated by the sudden shift in caregiving responsibilities.

Teresita—a former school teacher who had always been the backbone of the household—now faces unforeseen financial burdens associated with day‑to‑day childcare, medical expenses, and general living costs for a larger family unit.

A family update posted on Hilton’s website on Monday, September 14 confirmed that he is “expected to remain in residential treatment for several more weeks, potentially longer,” depending on the treatment team’s assessment.

The statement also emphasized that “Perez is alive, he’s getting help and he’s surrounded by people who want to see him healthy and happy again.”

## Fan Reaction

The news quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking a wave of responses from fans, fellow influencers, and industry insiders. On Twitter, the hashtag #SupportPerezHilton trended for a brief period, with users sharing personal anecdotes about how Hilton’s candidness had inspired them.

An Instagram post from a popular lifestyle blogger read, “If you love what Perez does—his unapologetic truth—let’s support his family during this tough time. Every donation counts.”

A notable comment from a fellow YouTuber highlighted the vulnerability the platform has witnessed over the years: “I’ve seen so many of us struggle behind those smiles.

It’s hard to see someone we admire in pain, but we all know how important mental health is.” The comments section also featured several messages reminding fans of the 988 crisis line, encouraging people in distress to seek help.

## What People Are Saying

Tom D’Angora wrote on the GoFundMe page that, “Like any grandmother who suddenly finds herself responsible for raising three growing children, she’s also taken on significant and unexpected expenses.” He added that the fundraiser is a “heart‑breaking” response to the situation.

The family’s update stressed that while Hilton receives professional care, the emotional support of friends and loved ones remains vital. The page also encourages sharing the fundraiser, noting, “If you’re not in a position to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would also mean a great deal.”

Another commenter on the fundraiser noted how quickly the community rallied: “In just 24 hours, we’ve already seen an outpouring of support.

It’s heartening to see how many people care about both Hilton and his family.” These sentiments echo a broader trend in which online communities mobilize to provide immediate assistance during personal crises.

## What Happens Next

Hilton’s treatment team will determine the length of his residential stay; no definitive timeline has been announced. The GoFundMe campaign remains open, with contributions earmarked for the mother and children’s day‑to‑day needs. Supporters can track the fundraiser’s progress on its page.

In the broader context, the family has highlighted the importance of mental‑health resources, reminding readers that “If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.”

The fundraiser reflects a community effort to provide stability for Hilton’s family during his recovery, underscoring the broader conversation about mental‑health care and support systems.

## Industry Impact

experience has reverberated across the influencer ecosystem. Many creators have begun to openly discuss their own mental‑health journeys in light of this incident. A recent panel at a virtual media conference featured several personalities sharing how they’ve incorporated self‑care strategies into their routines, .

the incident has prompted several brands to reassess their partnerships with high‑profile personalities. Advertising agencies are now more inclined to include mental‑health clauses in contracts, ensuring that influencers have access to counseling and crisis support during peak stress periods.

This shift reflects a growing acknowledgment that the entertainment and digital media worlds can be unforgiving environments that demand robust personal support networks.

The GoFundMe also serves as a micro‑case study for how digital philanthropy can mobilize large groups in a matter of hours, offering an alternative to traditional charitable channels. Its rapid success—raising over $700 in just two hours—highlights the power of social proof and network effects in contemporary fundraising.

## Call to Action

The family’s update emphasizes that every dollar brings them closer to covering the unforeseen expenses.

Whether through direct donation, sharing the fundraiser on social media, or simply spreading awareness of mental‑health resources, each gesture contributes to a larger goal: ensuring that Teresita Lavandeira and her children are cared for while their father receives the help he needs.

If you’re able to contribute, consider a one‑time donation of $25 or $50; even modest amounts can cover vital supplies or a few meals. For those unable to donate, sharing the GoFundMe link on your platforms—Facebook, Instagram Stories, Twitter, TikTok—can amplify the reach and bring more donors into the fold.

Together, this community stands as the compassion that thrives in our digital age. By rallying around family, we not only help heal one individual story but also reinforce the importance of mental‑health awareness for all.