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
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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.
November 16, 2009 - 6:26pmThanks for asking our opinion,
Pat
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