News

Girl Speaks Out After Parents Tricked Her into Thinking She Was Dying From Childhood Cancer

NewsPublished Dec 27, 2017
By Jordyn Smith
featured-img-of-post-209655Hannah Milbrandt / Facebook

For almost a year during her childhood, Hannah Milbrandt suffered abuse at the hands of her own parents after they convinced her that she was sick with cancer. The young girl, who is now 21, and everyone who knew the family was made to believe that she had a terminal illness and was fighting for her life. The lies and tactics used to convince everyone were so horrific that both of Milbrandt's parents went to jail after the truth was discovered while the young girl was left behind, forced to seek therapy for what they had done. Now years later, she's sharing a message for fellow abuse survivors

When Milbrandt was only 6 years old, her mother, Teresa, told the child that she had leukemia. Most likely to gain attention and money from the unsuspecting citizens of their hometown Urbana, Ohio the woman went to extreme measures to ensure her story was believed.

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In addition to shaving Hannah's head, the woman forced her into counseling, required her to wear a surgical mask, taped bandages over her head to cover non-existent chemotherapy scars, and even drugged her with sleeping pills. 

Ultimately, the con went on for about nine months, with the Milbrandt family raking in over $31,000 in donations from individuals and businesses in her town. The abuse finally came to an end when Milbrandt's teachers at school became suspicious. Shortly after, both of Milbrandt's parents were sent to jail. Teresa for 6 and a half years and her father, Robert -- who maintains his innocence -- for 4 years and 11 months.   

After her parents were jailed, Hannah spent a year in foster care before being placed with her maternal aunt. Now years after the events took place, the young woman recently shared that while her mother is not in her life but that she and her father maintain a close relationship. 

Hannah Milbrandt/Facebook

In an interview with Daily Mail, the young woman says she began experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts as a teen before seeking out therapy. "There were very low moments, like I could die, like I didn't want to exist…. I even made plans…. I reached a point I realized I couldn't be as selfish," she said. 

In the wake of the horrific abuse she suffered and outfitted with the tools to better handle her mental health, Milbrandt is doing incredibly well. She is pursuing a degree in English and education while also hoping to help other victims. 

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She hopes to inspire those who, like her, are dealing with the aftermath of abuse, "I feel like there are people out there who are struggling and have been abused in some way. It might not be the same as mine but everybody has a story," she told Daily Mail. "One thing I want people to know is that even in the hardest points in life, there is light at the end of the tunnel. This life is worth something."

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