Fayetteville fundraiser accused of exploiting child for cancer donations says he didn't do anything wrong
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Earlier this week, ABC11 told you the story of the mother of a 12-year-old cancer patient who believed her daughter was being exploited to raise cancer donations.
Click here to read our previous story.
Now, the two people who were raising those donations spoke out to ABC11 and said they didn't do anything wrong.
The director of "The Cancer Foundation" in Cumberland County said his organization is legitimate.
Fayetteville police agree. They investigated the fundraiser after Lashawnda Williams accused the group of using her 12-year-old daughter for cancer donations.
"I really, really wanted to help Mariah," said Kenyon Lockhart, who is the director of the "The Cancer Foundation."
Lockhart said he has a heart for cancer patients. His grandmother died from the disease.
"My ultimate aim is to help anybody that has cancer," he said.
One of those cancer patients is Mariah Andrews, who has been fighting cancer since she was 10.
In March, Williams said Lockhart offered to help raise funds for Mariah but used her daughter's pictures without permission. She wondered why they had not received any donations.
"They are using my child's face and story to raise money for who," asked Williams. "Not us, because we have not seen anything."
Lockhart, however, said in several emails and messages Williams did give him permission. He printed t-shirts and made key chains, bumper stickers and other items to help raise money.
"Everything we did," Lockhart said. "We asked her permission."
This week, Fayetteville police reviewed Lockhart's foundation's records and said the group is legal and does have a charity ID.
Williams was especially disturbed over a GoFundMe page set up with her daughter's picture. Lockhart and his fiance, Jessica Serrano, said they realized it was a mistake, and closed the account before any money was collected.
"There is really no bad intention," said Serrano. "It wasn't like that. All I want to say is I'm sorry."
As for donations and collections, Lockhart said, after expenses, money is split between the American Cancer Society, Mariah, and another cancer patient. He said so far his group has helped four cancer families with routine travel and medical co-pay expenses. He said the amount of money given to each patient is based on their needs.
"It's always above 25 percent," Lockhart said. "The American Cancer Society, or my patients will never get less than 25 per cent of any income we get. But if we don't raise money, we can't give you money."
Lockhart said in early June his foundation held a small fundraiser. After expenses, the foundation netted only $50 which had to be split three ways.
Lockhart said patients have to give him a list of expenses each month.
He said it's all spelled it in an information packet he gives to each cancer family, including Mariah. He said he wants to keep helping the 12 year old.
"We raise money and whatever is needed for her we do for her," said Lockhart.
Lockhart says he believes the fuss over donations for Mariah was a big misunderstanding. The hope now is that his foundation and Williams can reach an understanding and keep raising funds for Mariah and other cancer patients.
