Cancer patient receives help, outpouring of support after HOA drains bank account

FAIRBURN, Ga. (ANF/Gray News) - An investigation into HOA practices has led to an outpouring of community support for a metro Atlanta woman whose homeowners’ association garnished her bank account while she was undergoing cancer treatment.

Ayanna Fuller was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, in August 2022. Doctors gave her three years to live.

Fuller, who drives a school bus for Atlanta Public Schools, said she was born and raised in the Bowen Homes housing projects, and having her own home was her biggest accomplishment.

When Fuller was diagnosed with stage three cancer, she had to take time off work and requested to pause all her bills.

“I couldn’t pay because I had excessive chemo that first year,” Fuller said.

The Lester Point Homeowner’s Association in Fairburn initially allowed Fuller to make smaller payments on her dues. But when she ended up back in the hospital and unable to work, the HOA garnished money from her bank account.

“They took all of it,” Fuller said. “I was in bed sick. I had just come from chemo, as a matter of fact.”

The HOA garnished $828.54 plus a $125 legal fee, overdrafting her account by $855.

Fuller’s story was discovered during an investigation into the Lester Point HOA, where residents were fighting daily fines, lawsuits and liens.

Wes Dunlap, the HOA’s attorney, said the organization is always willing to negotiate and set up payment plans if the HOA board approves. However, Fuller’s messages from the hospital never reached Dunlap.

Fuller previously shared that one of the bills that she received from the HOA was for $1,386. She said Dunlap told her the bill included dues and fines

After the investigation report on Fuller aired, an anonymous viewer paid her HOA bill in full, offering to cover any future dues payments she needed help with as well.

Dozens of others also donated to her GoFundMe page.

“I love everybody – one dollar, five dollar, I still thank you,“ Fuller said. ”And to the guy that paid the whole thing off, thank you so much, I appreciate it.”

Fuller said she used the donations to pay off her home insurance, past due water bills and a credit card.

“I was mad at first. And then I’m like, ‘Oh God is gonna bless me, I’m not gonna worry about it anymore.’ And here you come, blessing me!” she said.

Fuller still receives chemotherapy through Grady Hospital every month, but she hopes to keep working as long as her body will allow her.

She has also started mentoring other cancer patients on social media, which she said has given her a greater purpose.