From the department of "Eeeeesh!" comes this story: Two of Laurie Williamson's children were in wheelchairs and had feeding tubes. Her three kids altogether had at least 500 doctor's appointments in ten years in connection with a rare illness. And Williamson raised $150,000 between 2000 and 2005 from individuals and organizations for her kids' health issues.
One problem with this scenario: Prosecutors say she fabricated the illnesses to get the money. And she was convicted of child abuse and sentenced to 15 years for putting her son through two unnecessary surguries, for a nerve-stimulation device and a gastric feeding-button. The children were malnourished when they were taken into protective custody. She also told the kids they had a rare condition and would not survive past their teens. However, it's more likely she herself has a somewhat rare condition: Munchausen syndrome by proxy, where a person makes up or induces symptoms in another to get attention. And in this case, $150,000.
The kids are now with a relative, and their mom is not allowed contact.
