Sydney mum clears name after online hate campaign alleging cancer fraud

A Sydney mother of three who was named the Northern Beaches Citizen of the Year in 2023 has publicly released medical records to counter a months-long online campaign that falsely claimed she faked cancer and siphoned donations from GoFundMe fundraisers.

The abuse began on a widely followed Facebook group, where members alleged that Rachael Jackson, 47, fabricated a cancer diagnosis and misused charitable donations. The allegations spread through social media and local networks, eventually drawing police attention and prompting state MPs to shut the group down. Jackson said the campaign drew comparisons to Belle Gibson, a notorious cancer-and-wellness scammer whose case inspired public interest in online fraud investigations. The controversy also reached a broader audience as it coincided with entertainment commentary surrounding a Netflix series referenced in the period’s media chatter.

Jackson, a single mother of four who lives on Sydney’s northern beaches, said the hate campaign escalated so aggressively that she began posting her health records to verify her diagnosis. She said the ordeal contributed to severe emotional distress and that she became suicidal late last year, ultimately sleeping with a knife under her pillow as a precaution against ongoing threats and harassment. She added that the targeting intensified after she started speaking publicly about the financial challenges of renting as a low-income homeowner and mother.

The medical details central to the dispute were clarified by Jackson’s doctors. Her cancer surgeon, Dr. Anthony Glover, confirmed that she had thyroid cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes and caused vocal cord damage, complicating treatment options. Her general practitioner, Dr. Frank Brennan, said she was also diagnosed with Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumour, a benign condition characterized by growths in the leg. Dr. Brennan noted that Jackson had undergone one of the three required surgeries and that, in the worst case, an amputation could be necessary. The doctors stressed that there was no evidence to support the conspiracy claims of financial wrongdoing related to GoFundMe campaigns or the use of donations for personal expenses.

The online campaign extended beyond social media into in-person confrontations. Jackson said she was followed through streets and shops, photographed in public spaces, and subjected to persistent questions about her finances. Two individuals faced criminal charges after confronting her at her home and by phone as part of a broader investigation into the misinformation. Police advised Jackson to install security cameras and to minimize attendance at public events, a precautionary stance that speaks to the real-world impact of online misinformation on individuals’ safety and privacy.

Despite sheeding light on the facts, the damage from the rumor mill remained present for months. Jackson described a lingering sense of caution in everyday life and a loss of social connections, saying that many people believed the allegations despite the lack of substantiation. “I feel very cautious everywhere I go,” she told reporters. “I don’t know whether people are taking photos of me. I feel very betrayed by my own community, because people have been gossiping about me and they have damaged my reputation. I’ve lost friends over it. People think there must be some truth to it, but there isn’t.”

In a bid to restore her credibility, Jackson released her health records to the National News Network, asserting that the documents corroborate her cancer diagnosis and challenge the conspiracy narrative. The release came after a sustained period of public scrutiny and personal hardship, including threats to her safety and the financial strain of defending her name in a highly polarized online environment. While some of the campaign’s damage is likely irreparable, Jackson and her supporters view the disclosure as a necessary step toward accountability and transparency.

The case underscores a broader concern about the pernicious effects of online misinformation, particularly when it intersects with health anxiety, charity giving, and local reputations. Mental health advocates say the phenomenon can cause lasting harm to victims who are already navigating medical treatment and financial stress. They emphasize the importance of verified information, official channels, and careful fact-checking in public discourse surrounding health crises.

Medical and legal experts contacted for comment noted that misinformation can complicate medical decision-making and affect charitable giving decisions, potentially diverting attention from legitimate fundraising needs. They urged media outlets and communities to rely on documented medical records and official statements when reporting on individuals facing serious health issues, and to avoid sensationalizing personal health battles or exploiting them for dramatic narratives.

As Jackson continues her recovery and rebuilds community trust, she remains committed to transparency and advocacy around cancer and charitable giving. She hopes that sharing her experience will deter future misuse of medical information and reduce the likelihood of similar online campaigns targeting others facing illness. She also expressed gratitude to those who supported her through the ordeal, including medical professionals who stood by her during treatment and the local authorities who investigated the harassment.

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The episode has left Jackson with a mix of resolve and caution about the climate of online discourse. She said she remains focused on her health and on reconnecting with trusted friends and family, while urging communities to resist spreading unverified allegations that can have real consequences for people who are already dealing with serious illness.