Woman fakes breast cancer and spends her fundraiser cash on breast implants
We at Empowher hold breast cancer dear to our hearts. We hold our hearts dear to our hearts, too. We share stories with other woman (and the men who love them) about breast cancer, heart disease, colon cancer, lung cancers as well as all the other conditions we face. Our stories are sometimes sad, but they are often with happy endings, as well as gathering a few laughs and helpful tips on how to live our best lives and keep our relationship with our bodies (as well as others) as strong as possible. Reaching out is what we do.
We're not standing alone. People have a tendency to reach out to anyone in trouble, especially when they are young, facing cancer and are mothers themselves, to very young children.
When Trista Joy Lathern told her family and friends she had breast cancer, they rallied around. Trista was only 24 and the mother of two very young boys.
Charity events took place, from bake sales to a silent option. Fliers were printed, with a photo of Trista and her family. Written underneath was the explanation of why she needed help.
Who wouldn't want to help a 24 year old mother of two who had breast cancer - especially when she spoke of losing her health insurance. That's a hot topic with many these days.
But Trista was healthy as a horse. Her marriage was unhappy and she thought that breast implants might spice things up a bit. So she concocted a tale of having breast cancer, shaved her head and raked in nearly ten thousand dollars.
When she approached her surgeon, he knew her story but found it odd that she never mentioned to him that she had breast cancer, nor did he find any signs that she had cancer or was undergoing any kind of treatment. He made some phone calls and the story broke open, but apparently not before she had the job done by another doctor.
Trista was ultimately arrested and has been charged with theft by deception. Her husband, unaware of her lies, has filed for an annulment and custody of their children.
Her outraged community have suggest she have her implants removed, and return the money, no matter how long it takes. And others have said she has done a real disservice to those who really do have cancer and need fundraisers for treatment, since people will be less inclined to offer help - fearing a scam.
Trista Lathern is currently out on bond.
Tell Us
What do you think is an appropriate action to take with regard to this case? What should Trista Lathern's punishment be? Do stories like this cause you to rethink donating to someone in need?
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I am furious this pathetic woman does this, I struggled alone with money issues going through breast reconstruction embarrassed to even be acknowledge and ask for money.
They should take out the implants and shave her head bald since she love making money playing the part look the part. God don't like ugly she might wake up one day
and have breast cancer.
Susan,
I don't even know what to say. You hear about this sort of thing every once in a while -- someone's attempt to take advantage of others by playing on their emotions and on their goodwill.
I remember after 9/11 that some people who were nowhere near the disaster were saying that they were, in order to possibly become eligible for victims funds.
People like this need to pay the consequences, but they also need therapy. There are clearly mental issues going on when people go to this extent, and they need to be addressed.
Hi Susan -
I saw several news reports on this, and it makes me angry on several levels. Any person with cancer, whether or not they have health insurance, is faced with serious and long-lasting financial ramifications.
This woman has not only caused immediate harm to those who were scammed in her community, she has also caused a situation in which others in need are now going to face scrutiny and perhaps even be asked to "prove" they are seriously ill and need help. The last thing a cancer patient needs is more burdens on top of an already difficult situation.
This woman needs to take responsibility for her actions, return the funds collected, apologize to the community, serve out any criminal penalties imposed and obtain psychological counseling. Ripping out her implants does no one any good. I'd prefer to see the angry local people put their energy into developing a legitimate system for those who need help - one that's humane, compassionate and has safeguards for both the donors and the person receiving funds.
For many people the financial strain is humiliating and they don't have fund raisers even though they desperately need help. Perhaps by focusing on REAL patients with REAL cancer and their REAL needs, some good can come out of this truly despicable act by one woman and benefit the many who did nothing wrong and truly want to help their friends and neighbors.
Thanks for asking our opinion,
Pat
It totally sounds ridiculous. This is how the humanity among people is getting lost. Such attempts can even lead to death of the victim. Such people need to be found and punished for such illicit activities. A proper treatment from a well equipped cancer treatment center is very essential for the every victims who suffer from different cancer ailments.
(Note: Link to specific treatment facility deleted by EmpowHer moderator)