Carla Griffin (left) and Alysa Armstrong-Gibbs (right) were among the mothers who went to court to support Diana Elliott's hearing for leaving her disabled son at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

Carla Griffin (left) and Alysa Armstrong-Gibbs (right) were among the mothers who went to court to support Diana Elliott's hearing for leaving her disabled son at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

Besides being subject to legal action, mothers who abandon their children generally hold a special place of villainy in the court of public opinion. Witness the recent condemnation after Diana Elliott left her developmentally challenged 14-year-old son at an Atlanta hospital.

Not everyone jumped on the bandwagon of rage — some on social media expressed sympathy for a single mother of four caring for children with special needs. Two dozen women showed up at her first hearing to ask the court for mercy.

On Second Thought host Virginia Prescott speaks with Jade Abdul-Malik.

GPB digital producer Jade Abdul-Malik followed up on the story of complete strangers showing up to support an overwhelmed mother. Abdul-Malik spoke with On Second Thought host Virginia Prescott about her research for the story.

 

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Alysa Armstrong-Gibbs with her son Kashiim.

Alysa Armstrong-Gibbs with her son Kashiim.

Carla Griffin and her son John.

Carla Griffin and her son John.

Tags: developmental disability  community support  Down syndrome  Diana Elliott  special needs  Grady  Atlanta  Georgia  Macon  Savannah