Jenelle Evans’ ex Andrew Lewis has started a crowdfunding initiative to raise money for his son, Jace.
In a GoFundMe page launched on Thursday, March 26, Lewis asked for the public’s help in getting his son to a “loving environment.”
“As some are aware, Jace was hospitalized and then taken to a mental health facility in February and remains there as of today,” Lewis claimed on the GoFundMe. “Although his grandma and I have tried to have him released into our care, Jace’s mother has refused to let that happen and has insisted he remain in the facility, despite her living over 2,000 miles away and not being there to care for him.”
Lewis claimed he is in need of funds “to help pay the enormous medical bills that have accrued due to Jace being in the facility, despite us not wanting him there to begin with.”
“We also need help paying the legal fees it will take to battle Jace’s mother for custody,” Lewis claimed. “During the last month, people who are concerned and care for Jace have reached out to ask how they can help us in our fight for Jace, leading us to create this fundraiser. Anything left over will be for his future medical needs.”
In a social media post, Evans, 34, seemingly addressed her ex’s fundraising efforts by writing, “Don’t let the GoFundMe fool you, he has a job everyone.”
Earlier this month, Jenelle’s mom, Barbara Evans, made headlines when she filed two motions in court: one for emergency child custody and one to modify child custody, according to court documents obtained by The Ashley’s Reality Roundup. The motion was later denied.
“My mom was denied her recent request for emergency custody,” Jenelle exclusively told Us on March 15. “I still have sole and physical custody of Jace.”
In regards to TMZ’s previous reporting that Jace was placed in a mental health facility, a rep for Jenelle told Page Six, “At this time, we respectfully ask for privacy for the family and Jenelle Evans. This is a personal matter, and space and understanding are appreciated as they focus on their well-being and time together. Thank you for respecting their privacy during this time.”
Jenelle and Lewis were first featured on an episode of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant in 2010. After two years of dating, the pair broke up shortly after welcoming Jace.
“He was more interested in partying with his friends and getting drunk than spending time with his pregnant girlfriend,” Jenelle claimed of Lewis in her 2017 memoir, Between the Lines. “Not to mention he was broker than f*** and didn’t have a job. What in the heck did I ever see in him?”
While the exes have struggled to coparent successfully in recent years, Lewis expressed his gratitude for those supporting his GoFundMe efforts.
“We appreciate everyone’s kind words and support,” he wrote, “and are extremely grateful for any donations.”
