A Wisconsin mother and TikTok creator created a GoFundMe for Lindsay Clancy's parents that generated over $1.2 million.
Clancy is accused of killing her three young children in their Massachusetts home in 2023. She pleaded not guilty, arguing she should not be held criminally responsible for their deaths because she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder, but her case ended in a mistrial.
Clancy's parents were present in court throughout the trial, and her mother testified on her behalf.
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Brandee Mulligan, who lives over 1,000 miles away from the trial in Oconomowoc, said she has no personal connection to Clancy or her parents.
She simply noticed them during the trial and learned the parents were struggling to keep up financially.
"I was just watching the trial, and I kept seeing them," Mulligan said. "They emptied their retirement account, and every account that they have."
Mulligan said she kept waiting for someone else to create a GoFundMe for the Clancy family. When no one did, she created it herself and named Clancy's father, Mike Musgrove, as the beneficiary.
"Mike Musgrove called me after we set this up and he had no idea the amount of support that there was for them, and he was overwhelmed by it — and he is so appreciative of it because for three and a half years, they thought they were alone," Mulligan said.
That feeling of isolation is exactly what Moms Mental Health Initiative works to address. The nonprofit connects families to mental health resources for the many conditions that can occur during and after pregnancy.
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Although postpartum psychosis is not as widespread — affecting about one to two moms in every 1,000 births — Sarah Ornst Bloomquist of Moms Mental Health Initiative said the need is widespread.
"So many people struggle and suffer from one of these mental health conditions. One in five women will experience this," Ornst Bloomquist said about perinatal mental health conditions. "You can recover, and it is very hard to find that treatment and that help."
Mulligan has been one of many who have amplified that message through dozens of TikTok videos posted throughout the trial.
"This is a mom that wanted to do anything but hurt her kids," Mulligan said in one post.
She said many of the donors she has spoken with were personally connected to the cause. She has even written down the names of every country that contributed to the fundraiser.
"We are doing this because we see ourselves in Lindsay," Mulligan said in another TikTok post.
The GoFundMe has now raised more than $1.2 million. Since the mistrial, its goal has been increased to $3 million.
The funds cannot be used for legal fees, but a GoFundMe spokesperson confirmed that the campaign remains within the platform's terms of service.
If you or someone you know is struggling with issues connected to pregnancy or the postpartum period, which can include adoptive or the non-birthing parent, Moms Mental Health Initiative has ways to help. You can reach out by clicking here.
For non-emergency Maternal Mental Health Support, you can call 1-833-943-5746 to reach the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline operated by Postpartum Support International.
If your needs are urgent, or you fear for you and your baby’s safety, call 911 or 988, the National Crisis Hotline, immediately. You can also text the crisis line using 988.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
