A Queensland social media personality, who raised tens of thousands of dollars by claiming her one-year-old daughter was gravely ill, is under investigation following allegations that she drugged the child to fake the illness.
The mother-of-four, whose identity remains undisclosed to protect her children, is accused of fabricating her daughter’s brain tumor diagnosis while soliciting donations online. The situation has raised questions about potential child abuse and fraudulent activities.
$62,000 Raised in Alleged Fraudulent Campaign
In June, the woman launched a GoFundMe campaign claiming her daughter was critically ill and required urgent treatment for a brain tumor. The campaign reportedly raised approximately $62,000 from supporters, including local business owners and individuals moved by her online posts.
However, discrepancies between the mother’s updates about her child’s supposed surgeries and the actual medical treatment received raised red flags among hospital staff. This prompted them to alert authorities, leading to a police investigation.
Medical professionals suspect the mother may suffer from Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a psychological condition where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in someone under their care to gain attention or sympathy.
Police Investigation Underway
The Morningside Child Protection and Investigation Unit is currently handling the case.
A spokesperson for Queensland Police confirmed they are “aware of reports of child harm against a one-year-old girl” but declined to provide further details due to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have removed the child from the mother’s custody to ensure the infant’s safety.
Social Media Accounts Deactivated
The mother’s TikTok and Instagram accounts, which she used to share updates about her daughter’s alleged illness and solicit donations, have been deactivated.
Meanwhile, the baby’s father has spoken out on social media, expressing shock and devastation over the allegations.
“For what it’s worth, I had no idea about what [the mother] was [allegedly] doing to the child,” the father wrote in a post on Monday.
“I pushed for those surgeries because in my heart I felt it would help. I didn’t realise [the child] was being drugged the entire time, causing her symptoms to be what they were.
“I do my best to love and protect my children. I should’ve done better for them. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect [the child] the way I should have.”
Community Reactions: Anger and Betrayal
The case has left donors and supporters feeling betrayed.
One Sunshine Coast donor, who contributed to the fundraising campaign, expressed outrage over the allegations. “I’m angry because so many of us donated, and events were held around the coast for them,” the donor told The Courier Mail.
Local businesses had also rallied around the mother when her story first gained traction earlier this year, donating thousands of dollars to support the family.
A close friend of the mother said she is struggling to process the allegations.
“I just want everyone to know that I had no idea this was happening,” the friend stated. “I supported and helped the family through everything. I was there for them through it all.”
GoFundMe and Fraud Investigation
The GoFundMe campaign has since been taken down, and the fundraising platform has issued a statement regarding the matter.
A spokesperson for GoFundMe confirmed they are aware of the claims and have launched their own investigation.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for misuse of the platform,” the spokesperson said.
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: A Rare but Serious Disorder
The allegations have drawn attention to Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSP), a condition where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a dependent to gain attention, sympathy, or financial benefit.
Experts note that cases involving MSP are rare but can have devastating consequences for the victims.
“Munchausen syndrome by proxy is not just a psychological issue—it’s a form of child abuse,” said a clinical psychologist familiar with such cases. “The perpetrator’s actions can cause significant physical and emotional harm to the child.”
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, authorities will determine whether the allegations against the mother can be substantiated and whether charges will be filed.
For now, the priority remains ensuring the safety and well-being of the child, who is now under protective care.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance when supporting online fundraising campaigns, especially those involving medical claims. While platforms like GoFundMe have safeguards in place to prevent misuse, fraudulent activities can still occur, underscoring the importance of verifying the legitimacy of such appeals.
Conclusion
The allegations against the Queensland social media personality have shocked both her local community and her online following. If proven true, the case represents a tragic example of exploitation and abuse, highlighting the need for accountability in both caregiving and online fundraising.
As investigations by police and GoFundMe proceed, supporters and donors are left grappling with feelings of betrayal and outrage, while the safety and recovery of the child remain the top priority.
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