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Colton Haynes reveals his mother is terminally ill

the actor shared his mom’s health status in an emotional Instagram post

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Colton Haynes (Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)

Colton Haynes has opened up to the public that his mother is terminally ill.

In an Instagram post, Haynes shared that his mother, Dana Denise Mitchell, has been in and out of the hospital since January with liver and kidney failure. He says that his mother is in need of a new liver but there isn’t much time left.

“The doctors suggested that we now focus on my mother’s quality of life rather than quantity of life,” Haynes writes. “It’s heartbreaking. My strong mother has always been the anchor of this family and our best friend. Now we’re being forced to say goodbye to her.”

Haynes’ family had started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Mitchell to have a full-time nurse. The funding surpassed its goal of $10,000 and additional funds will be donated to the American Liver Foundation.

My mom, Dana, always loves to laugh. Even when her liver & kidney doctors gave us the worst news you could get, my mom looked at us and said, “The best thing to do in these situations is to laugh.” She then chuckled so loud you could hear it to the other end of the hospital. That’s my mom. Shes funny, bull headed, & strong. My mom has been in and out of the hospital since January. After multiple tests we found out she actually has advanced cirrhosis of the liver & kidney failure. A diagnosis that can be cured with a liver transplant.. however..that bad news I mentioned before was that she doesn’t have that much time to wait for a new liver. The doctors suggested that we now focus on my mother’s quality of life rather than quantity of life. It’s heartbreaking. My strong mother has always been the anchor of this family and our best friend. Now we’re being forced to say goodbye to her. So with that horrible news from “Dr. Doom” (a name my mom came up for him) my family has set up steps to make mom comfortable. We set up in home hospice care so she can be home with her boyfriend, Gary, and her beloved cat, Fasa. Hospice care is covered by my moms insurance 100%. As well as nurses visits on a “need be” basis. A personal in home nurse that can be there 24/7, however, is not covered and would need to be paid out of pocket. My siblings and family are spread out around the country and world. We’ve been taking turns flying out when we can to help but it’s not enough. My brother wanted to do his part to help with the expense of hiring a full time nurse & guess what…the gofundme goal has been reached to pay for Amity Home Care in Hemet California! Now that the goal has been reached…every single penny we raise over the goal from today on will be donated to the American Liver Foundation to help others who are going through this horrible disease. It would mean the world to my family & I if we could make a massive donation to this incredible organization. Thank y’all for listening & sending all the love to my beautiful momma. Donation link in my bio ❤❤❤

A post shared by Colton Haynes-Leatham (@coltonlhaynes) on

Mom…you are the strongest person I’ve ever met. We love you

A post shared by Colton Haynes-Leatham (@coltonlhaynes) on

 

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PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

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A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

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Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

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Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite

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Calendar

Calendar: July 31-August 6

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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Friday, July 31

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite

Saturday, August 1

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, August 2

“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite

Monday, August 3

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, August 4

The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.

Wednesday, August 5

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Thursday, August 6

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.  

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