Naman Shrestha
In the episode titled ‘Mom Said I Was Dying’ of Investigation Discovery’s ‘Evil Lives Here,’ the primary focus is on Hannah Combs and how her parents, Teresa and Robert Milbrandt, told her that she had a terminal illness, when in fact, she was entirely healthy. Using the fake diagnosis, Teresa collected donations for her alleged treatment. When the truth came out, the authorities brought the Milbrandts to justice. Featuring in the documentary, Hannah recounts her experience and how she moved on from the trauma.
Hannah Combs’ Parents Were Convicted in Connection With a Leukemia Fundraising Scam
Born in August 1995 to Robert and Teresa Milbrandt, Hannah Milbrandt was raised in the small town of Urbana in the state of Ohio, along with her five half-sisters and one half-brother. When she was seven years old, Hannah suffered from a mild fever and cough. After she was taken to the hospital, she was diagnosed with leukemia as her mother, who also worked as a home health nurse in the medical field, told her that the doctors had found a tumor at the base of her spine. In the following weeks and months, Teresa shaved Hannah’s head, made her wear a surgical mask, and sent her to counseling. Her parents also organized a fundraiser for Hannah’s treatment, which raised more than $31,000.
However, after nine months, Hannah’s school teachers began suspecting that Hannah’s illness was made-up. Not long after, the police discovered that it was a fraudulent scheme led by her parents, Teresa and Robert. Although Robert claimed that he had no idea about the scam, both of them were sent to prison. It is imperative to note that while Teresa was convicted for her direct actions, Robert was found guilty of child endangerment but entered an Alford plea for theft. In the aftermath, Hannah went into foster care. After Robert was released, Hannah reunited with him and lived with him. During her teenage years, the entire ordeal had a negative impact on her mental health, as she admittedly battled depression and suicidal ideation. She managed to get some healing done by going to therapy and with the love of the people in her surroundings.
Hannah Combs Surrounds Herself With the Love of Her Family and Friends
Despite going through numerous traumatic experiences in her childhood, Hannah Combs has come out on the other side and built a happy and fulfilling life for herself. On October 5, 2018, she tied the knot with the love of her life, Tanner Combs, in a ceremony surrounded by her loved ones. In the following years, the couple entered parenthood and welcomed two children — Cal and Harlow. Although Hannah has totally cut ties with her mother, she continues to share a close-knit bond with her father, Robert. On Father’s Day 2025, she greeted him via a social media post, stating, “Happy Father’s Day to my best friend, my #1 fan, and my superman. The Lord knew i needed a father like you and i cannot imagine a world without you. I love you always.”
For a few years, Hannah and Tanner resided in Springfield, Ohio, but have seemingly relocated to Wytheville, Virginia, where Tanner, a Wittenberg University graduate, is employed at a leading beverage company as a merchandiser/relief driver. Hannah means a lot to her husband, who has expressed his love, stating, “You light up my everyday and never let me forget how special I am. I cannot thank God enough for putting us in each others path. You are my soul mate and I can’t not wait to see what the future holds for us! 😘 I love you Hannah and I always will!!” Besides being a devoted wife, Hannah is also a doting mother. The family of four frequently goes on fun outings and travels, making new memories. In her free time, the Buffalo Bills fan also loves attending live games at the stadium to demonstrate her unwavering support for the team.
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