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Background: The Dixie County Courthouse in Cross City, Fla. (Google Maps). Insets (left to right): Edward Downing and Stephanie Skeris (Dixie County Sheriff”s Office).
In a shocking revelation, the parents of a Florida teenager have been arrested for allegedly fabricating their son’s cancer diagnosis to solicit donations. The couple, Edward Downing and Stephanie Skeris, face charges of fraud and child neglect after reportedly launching a GoFundMe campaign for their son’s supposed cancer treatment, despite the fact that he was never diagnosed with the disease.
The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office reported that the parents collected funds from their community, ostensibly for medical expenses, but instead diverted the money for personal use, such as fuel, shopping, and dining out. The alleged deception began when they took their then-15-year-old son to a doctor in December 2024, citing his weight loss and other vague health concerns.
Investigators discovered that the teenager had not been diagnosed with cancer. Nevertheless, Downing and Skeris allegedly orchestrated “multiple fundraisers” and falsely informed their community that their son was battling cancer, which they claimed had spread to several internal organs.
In March 2025, local ABC affiliate WCJB covered the story, quoting Downing as saying, “We found out that he has cancer, and I don’t really know how to take this. As a father, all I can do is love him day by day, just hoping he gets better.”
The then-15-year-old also spoke with WCJB, recounting, “I noticed a small bump on my chest, but I was acting pretty normal. I saw it pop up a little bit, told my mom about it, and then we went to the hospital.”
Skeris was also quoted in the story, saying of the community’s help following her son’s diagnosis, “It helps tremendously to pay for his doctor visits, so it’s not so hard on us and everything else.”
In addition to local fundraisers at businesses in their Old Town, Florida, community, Downing and Skeris also started a GoFundMe, which resulted in a single $25 donor who has since been refunded, according to Oxygen.com.
Investigators soon uncovered a dedicated bank account that held the money raised for the teen’s medical treatment. The couple, however, allegedly used that money for personal purchases, including retail transactions, fuel, restaurant meals, and cash withdrawals.
Authorities said the teen did have “legitimate” medical issues, and Medicaid covered the cost of those treatments. The teen was later removed from his parents’ custody after concerns were raised about his “well-being and medical care.”
Downing and Skeris were charged with scheme to defraud, communications fraud, and child neglect. They were released from custody after posting $75,000 bond. Both are scheduled to be arraigned on April 7.