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Australian actress and filmmaker Clare McCann has sparked controversy by launching a public fundraising campaign to cryogenically freeze the body of her son, Atreyu McCann, who took his own life on Friday, May 23, at the age of 13.
The initiative was published on Sunday, May 25, on the GoFundMe platform, where Clare is seeking donations with a target of 300,000 Australian dollars, which is just over 195,000 US dollars. In her message, McCann explained that cryopreservation must be carried out within seven days of Atreyu's death to keep open the possibility of future resuscitation.
"If we lose this window, we will lose the opportunity for any future revival that science may offer," McCann wrote. "This is about hope and justice. Refusing to let my son's story end in silence."
Clare McCann warns against bullying
McCann said her son was the victim of "horrendous bullying" at school, a situation she repeatedly reported to the Australian education system without receiving any response. "I begged the school, the Department of Education and Children's Services to intervene," she said. "I have medical records, psychologist reports, a formal diagnosis of PTSD and emails proving that I repeatedly alerted them. But nothing was done. And now my precious boy is gone."
In her post, the actress details that the funds will be used exclusively for the immediate cryopreservation of the body, as well as for legal transportation, medical and legal services related to the procedure. She also plans to set up a trust in Atreyu's name to protect his memory and legacy.
In addition, Clare announced that any surplus funds will be used to drive a national anti-bullying education and reform campaign, as well as to fund legal action against the institutions that she says failed her son. "I hope to offer to other families affected by systemic neglect," she added.
During an interview with a local media outlet, Clare spoke about her motivation to opt for cryogenics. She said the idea was shared with Atreyu from when he was about six years old. "We talked about the afterlife and heaven, and I mentioned cryogenics to him. He told me he would like to do it," she explained. "Over the years we talked about that's what we would want to do together, never apart. He deserves a second chance to live the life he wanted."
The public request has generated divided responses. While some offer and empathy, others question the ethics of asking for large sums of money at such a sensitive time of grief.
Concluding his message on the donations page, McCann wrote: "Please help us preserve our beloved Atreyu and give him the dignity and future that his school stole from him. We only have seven days. Please act now."