Last last week I read an on-line article that had my eyes popping WIDE. A New York woman named Jessica Vega told friends and family along with everyone in her hometown the sad news. She was dying of cancer. She even had a letter from the doctor to prove it. According to Vega, her only dream was to walk down the aisle to marry the man she loved (who was also the father of her eleven month old baby). The outpouring of help and support was phenomenal. A local newspaper reported the story of Jessica fantasy wedding to her fiance Michael giving a shoutout to all the wonderful people who had helped Jessica's final big wish come true.A local bridal shop donated her dream wedding gown, flowers were provided, photographs, rings, everything a bride could want for her special day were generously given as a testament to how far people were willing to go to help a fellow human being achieve her dreams before she died. After the couple enjoyed an all expense paid honeymoon to Aruba they returned home to begin their lives together. Now that the fanfare is over, the truth comes out.
It was all a lie. A huge scam by one woman to bilk a community for her own personal gain. Her husband Michael learned of her lie (yes, apparently he'd been lied to as well) went public with the sorry tale. A call to the Jessica's supposed doctor revealed she had never even been to his office. Looks like Jessica's days of wedded bliss are over now since her husband has filed for divorce. I don't know if her family is speaking to her yet, much less her many friends and neighbors.
I've heard of these scams before and it's a truly sad day when something as simple as helping out someone in need turns into a slap in the face. It's pitiful and sad. When I think of those many people out there who need love, care and help, I cringe at how despicable was the act of this 23 year old woman. Hope she never really needs help again because it's doubtful anyone at all with rush to her side.
If you'd like to read another account of this story, I've posted it HERE.
14 comments:
OMG! That truly is bloody awful. What a hateful thing to do.
Wow, this is a sad story for all those residents.
I have been on the side where many friends and strangers from near and far reached out and helped, supported and generously gave to my family and I during my late husbands dx of cancer. I am truly grateful for the kindness that was provided in my familiy's time of need. Giving isn't about what you get in return but I'm sure it will take some a while to openly trust when giving so freely and to take away that innocence and pure kindness seems very selfish on her part.
This is sad and awful.
It's stories like this one that make me leary helping others. When our son died and people made donations to the NICU we updated the people every single step of the way to show them that their money was going to something useful and that we weren't getting any money in our pockets.
WOW...just WOW. And I'm rarely THAT speechless.
It IS isn't it, Nat. I just can't comprehend that kind of thing.
Hi Tonya! We've just been through the cancer thing too and people came from everywhere to offer support. Unbelievable kindness and to think someone would tell such a lie for free stuff and attention just blows my mind. I think that's part of the reason this story just went all over me.
It's the right thing to do, Amber!
I know Tess. I took me a minute to wrap my brain around such a thing. And she not only lied to strangers but to her FAMILY. Wonder how they must be feeling about this.
It's funny. We teach our kids to be kind and caring of others but we also need to teach them to be wary. It's rather sad, isn't it?
That is so unbelievably awful. It's people like this that make it hard for those who really need the help to get it.
There are always scams on and of course it makes one even more leary to help out.
I hope she goes to court for the scam.
Valerie
in Germany
That makes me sick to my stomach. What kind of person would do that?
There was a lady where I work that lied to people for around five years. She said she had cancer too. People at work took up money for her, had fund raiser, some of the operators even bought her new tires for her car. She moved in with a lady at work saying that the doctor didn't want her to be at home by herself after her treatments. People would help her do her job and make sure she had a easy spot to work. It finally came out that she was never sick that she had forged all of the paper work from the doctor. So basically she stole from her supposed friends, the factory because she drew long term disability for most of the time she was sick. As far as I know she was never charged with anything and she got off completely free. When I found out that she had lied to us for so long I couldn't believe it. She always seemed like a nice honest person.
sstrode@scrtc.com
That's INSANE! What soap opera is she living in? Did she honestly think no one would find out the TRUTH?
Some people simply have no conscience or moral compass.
That's just awful. She will get her just desserts.
Oh, wow...that is awful!!
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