Private school addresses parents after shocking alleged cancer scam deception exposed

A private western suburbs school has addressed their community after learning they were allegedly duped by one of their own through a shocking ‘cancer scam’. Read the letter here.

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A private western suburbs school has issued a letter to their community after a police investigation revealed one of the parents had allegedly faked their son’s cancer diagnosis for personal financial gain.

Michelle Bodzsar and Ben Stephen Miller, both 44, of West Lakes, are accused of deceiving the tight-knit school community into believing their six-year-old son had a Stage 1 eye cancer diagnosis with “three tumours on and around the optic nerve”.

Police said that to emphasise their son’s “illness”, the pair shaved his hair and eyebrows, wrapped him in bandages and placed him in a wheelchair.

It is alleged that the cancer hoax was for personal financial gain as the parents had been requesting monetary donations via online fundraising platforms, as well as the child’s private school to “fund the ongoing cancer treatment”.

The pair had allegedly raised about $60,000 over a two-week period.

Police allege Michelle Bodzsar and Ben Miller raised $60,000 for their child's fake cancer diagnosis, shaving their son's head and eyebrows and putting him into a wheelchair. Picture: Facebook

Following the revelation of the alleged cancer scam, the school leadership sent a letter to parents addressing the ongoing investigation.

In the letter received by The Advertiser, the deputy principal and the AP learning and wellbeing officer said their utmost concern was with the families’ welfare.

“The care and wellbeing of our students is always our top priority,” they wrote.

“We want to assure you that we are taking this matter very seriously and are working closely with SAPOL and those directly impacted by the situation.

“The police are currently seeking any individuals who may have information related to the

investigation or who believe they have contributed financially to the family involved.

“If you have any relevant information, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit your nearest police station.”

The private school also provided contact details for a child helpline if any families believe their children require additional emotional support.

The leadership duo also clarified “that the school has not endorsed or participated in any fundraising activities” in connection to the alleged cancer hoax.

Meanwhile, Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard revealed she felt “deeply troubled” after learning about the accusations of the parents’ malicious scheme.

“It is absolutely devastating,” she said on Saturday morning. “I am so sad and really troubled by these allegations that have come to light.

“Every child and young person deserves to feel loved and to be safe, secure, nurtured.

“(But) I’m really grateful that as soon as the community made authorities aware of their concerns, that SAPOL sprang into action.”

Ms Hildyard said that the children are now “being cared for by family” after an unidentified “community member” raised the alarm.

A western suburbs school has issued a statement following the revelation an alleged cancer scam involving one of their students. Picture: Facebook

The letter the school sent to parents.

Meanwhile, the couple have been charged with one count each of committing an act likely to cause harm, and one count each of deception.

Late on Friday, Michelle Bodzsar faced the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court by video link from the police cells next door.

Mr Miller’s lawyer had asked he be considered for home detention bail, suggesting his client could live with his parents at their northern suburbs address and was prepared to have no contact with his family. Magistrate Alison Adair said she was prepared to consider Mr Miller’s application.

She remanded him in custody pending a home detention bail inquiry report next week – but noted police opposed the proposed address.

However, Ms Adair said she would also order a home detention bail report for Ms Bodzsar, but would not consider the question of her release until after police had more time to conduct investigations.

She remanded her in custody until January.