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$7,000+ RAISED TO GIVE HOPE TO BABY SUTTON & FAMILY
Support Has Included Memorial Gift with Surprising Connection to Family
HINESVILLE, Ga.—Eight months after the birth of their rare and medically complex child, parents Amber and Russell Simmons say “small but mighty” baby girl Sutton Simmons has a brighter future thanks to the community’s support. Over $7,300 has been raised towards their $20,000 fundraising goal with the nonprofit Help Hope Live.
Support has included a generous donation through the Sean Phillipp Thornton Memorial Foundation established to honor the memory of a beloved 3-year-old with a unique connection to Sutton.
Donations can be made at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/26223/
Sutton was born on May 23, 2025 and spent the first 40 days of her life in the NICU. She required a breathing tube and medications, a G tube for nutrition, and intensive medical care.
Today, Sutton continues to require 24-hour care and medical monitoring. Father Russell left his career as an electrician’s assistant to become his daughter’s full-time caregiver. Mom Amber is a registered nurse at an army base hospital.
Amber and Russell turned to their community for help when they realized the out-of-pocket costs associated with Sutton’s care and medical support were far beyond what they could afford alone. Within the first 8 months of Sutton’s life, their out-of-pocket costs have exceeded $13,000.
Their loving community has rallied through Help Hope Live to raise over $7,300 so far in Sutton’s honor. One meaningful moment for the family was receiving a donation to Help Hope Live in Sutton’s honor through the Sean Philipp Thornton Memorial Foundation, established to honor the memory of a 3-year-old killed in a tragic accident by helping other children and their families.
As Amber explained, the donation represents an unexpected and deeply personal connection: “Sutton’s grandfather was the officer who helped care for Sean’s family after the accident. Their decision to pay that kindness forward to Sutton was profoundly moving for our family.”
Amber and Russell still face therapy co-pays of $35 per session, gas to and from medical appointments, and a $125 per month charge to pay off a hospital bill.
“We’ve been so grateful for the support we’ve received,” Amber explained. “We’re deeply touched by the generosity. Donations through Help Hope Live are helping us to get Sutton the medical care, feeding items, and occupational therapy she needs.”
Amber shared a good news update about their 8-month-old’s progress: “Sutton is now sitting up independently. While there are still a lot of unknowns about her medical challenges, support from the community is making a difference.”
Unlike a GoFundMe campaign, donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be administered by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $193 million to pay patient expenses, assisting more than 25,000 patient families. ###
