An Australian woman claimed to have terminal cancer in order to raise funds on social media. The pot aux roses has been unearthed.
Facebook, a tool at the service of solidarity … Or not. In Australia, a story makes the headlines. That of Elizabeth ‘Elle’ Edmunds, a 31-year-old Australian, who claimed to have cancer in order to collect donations on social media.
Last phase
The case begins last April. ‘She’ tells those around her that she has terminal ovarian cancer, and that she has three years to live. Metastases have even been detected in her lungs … In preparation for her “chemotherapy”, Elizabeth Edmunds has her hair shaved by her husband, torn in pain. Difficult times, which she posted on her Facebook account.
Elizabeth Edmunds has her hair shaved, in preparation for alleged chemotherapy – Facebook
Support walk, charity dinner
In September, Jessica McKay, an Australian full of empathy, opens a Facebook page “Help for Elle” to raise funds and keep the community informed about the young woman’s state of health. ‘She’ needs some $ 1,600 (€ 1,280) per month to cover “medical costs”. On the web, crowdfunding is getting organized.
Hundreds of people are moved by the story of this mother of a family who could leave six orphan children… A support march is organized in her honor, as well as a charity dinner, at $ 150 (120 euros) per head, to finance the action.
A poster for a charity dinner in support of Elizabeth Edmunds – Facebook
“She never had cancer”
Thanks to the manipulation, in a few weeks, Elizabeth Edmunds manages to collect $ 2,500 (€ 2,000). Neither seen nor known… Up to a point. Members of the supportive community wonder. The young woman strangely insists on not being accompanied during her chemo sessions… But the coup de grace comes from her own camp.
Last week, a man who introduced himself as his companion posted a message on the Facebook page. “She has never had cancer,” he writes. Not the beginning of the beginning of a small tumor … She would have led all her family and friends in a boat. Elizabeth Edmunds confesses her big lie.
Immediately, the reactions fuse, between incomprehension, indignation and fierce hatred. Jessica McKay, the administrator of the Facebook support page, doesn’t have enough harsh words. “This woman is evil in person… I would sincerely like to see her in prison!” She exclaims to the Australian press.
“Mental pathology”
An investigation is underway to determine the prosecution to which the young woman is exposed. In the meantime, the funds raised will be transferred to a hospital for sick children.
To justify this dubious act, ‘She’ explained to be suffering from a mental pathology… Why not launch a new appeal for donations?
.
