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?