Support Eleanor During an Urgent Family Crisis

Support Eleanor During an Urgent Family Crisis

Our dear friends, Eleanor and Thomas Dutton—two of the most generous, compassionate, and community-centered people we know—are facing an unexpected and devastating family emergency. We’re asking for your support in this critical moment.

Last week in Flint, Michigan, Thomas’s beloved grandmother Lorna was admitted to the hospital with AFib and has since been diagnosed with advanced congestive heart failure. She is now being removed from life support. Lorna has long been the rock of their family—caring full-time for Thomas’s two disabled brothers since their father passed.

With her health rapidly declining, Eleanor is stepping in to stabilize the household, secure continued care for the boys, and make sure they maintain dignity, stability, and quality of life in the months and years ahead. This includes taking legal action and coordinating a plan to relocate the family to Wisconsin. Time is critical. If these steps can’t be taken before Lorna’s passing, the brothers risk being placed in state care.

Eleanor and Thomas are the only family members able to provide the care and support that these young men need and deserve. To make this happen, Eleanor is taking an unpaid two-month leave from both work and school to be in Michigan full-time. She will be managing day-to-day caregiving, coordinating social and disability services, and navigating legal and financial systems to ensure long-term stability for the family.

This would be overwhelming for anyone. Let’s show up for them now the way they’ve shown up for others so many times before.

We’re aiming to raise $7,000 to cover:

Eleanor has always been the person who shows up—rolling up her sleeves to support others with love, grace, and grit. Now it’s our turn. Let’s surround her and Thomas with the same care and strength they’ve given so freely to their community.

Every donation—no matter the size—will help ease the burden. If you’re unable to give right now, sharing this fundraiser is another powerful way to stand with them in this moment.

With deep gratitude,

Tyson Vitale