Dixie County, Florida. – A Florida couple has been arrested after allegedly fabricating a story about their teenage son’s battle with cancer, claims that led to hundreds of dollars in donations from compassionate community members. Edward Downing, 44, and Stephanie Skerris, 43, were arrested on February 27, after a month-long investigation revealed that their 15-year-old son did not have cancer as they claimed, and that the money raised was misused for personal expenses.
According to the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, the couple spent months telling community members, businesses and even media outlets that their son was undergoing cancer treatment and needed financial help. Several fundraising events were held with the premise that the money would be used for medical expenses and cancer treatment.
“We didn’t want people to feel bad, so we didn’t tell them he was getting better,” said Stephanie Downing in a March 2025 interview, claiming that the donation helped her son get to the doctor. “It helps them a lot to pay for doctor visits, so it’s not so hard for us.”
However, after reviewing medical records and consulting with healthcare providers, investigators determined that the teen had never been diagnosed with cancer. His medical evaluation revealed concerns about weight loss and other health problems, but doctors found no signs of cancer. Instead, he recommended nutritional support and continued monitoring. Despite these findings, the couple continued to tell people that their son’s condition was worsening, claiming that the cancer had spread to his chest and internal organs.
The investigation also revealed a dedicated bank account where donations were allegedly being deposited. Financial records show that these funds, which were meant for medical expenses, were instead spent on personal purchases such as retail items, gas, restaurant meals, and even cash withdrawals.
Further investigation of online fundraising efforts revealed a GoFundMe campaign for cancer treatment, which was also used to raise money from the public. The goodwill of the community was exploited for personal gain in the hope of reducing the burden on the family.
As the investigation progressed, concerns about the teen’s well-being were raised by medical professionals and child protection investigators. As a result, the child was placed in protective care, where he will continue to receive appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
Both Downing and Skerris have been charged with third-degree felonies for scheme to defraud, communications fraud and neglect of a child. They were each released on $75,000 bond, and their cases are still under investigation.
This case is a reminder of the trust that communities place in families facing difficulties and the potential for abuse when that trust is betrayed. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the community is left to consider the impact of this fraudulent scheme on both families and donors seeking help.