Had to post this up because I personally disagree with this.

[Sepalcure]

SOURCE = http://living.msn.com/love-relation...08cc-cfcf-44a1-9572-9665f20a34c3&ocid=todlf11

I don’t know about you, but my ‘dream wedding’ doesn’t involve having to fake a terminal illness. Jessica Vega is a different story. The 25 year-old woman told a newspaper she was dying of leukemia so she could accept donations to fund her wedding.

Believing she was diagnosed with the terminal illness, the Times Herald-Record ran a story on Vega’s tragic wedding wish.

She told them she had a year to live and that it was her dying wish to marry her fiancé, Michael O’Connell. Cashing in on the public’s benevolence, Jessica then accepted thousands of dollars in services and goods to throw a dream wedding. Some of those goods included wedding rings, flowers, and a Monalisa Royale wedding gown valued at $1,200.

But married life didn’t bode well for the couple—big surprise, I know. Four months after the wedding, Michael and Jessica divorced over the incident, and he even turned her in, telling the newspaper she was faking the illness.
Now a grand jury has indicted Jessica with grand larceny and scheme to defraud. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said:

"By pretending to have a terminal illness, Vega inexcusably took advantage of the community's hearts and minds and profited off of their generosity. Our office will hold this individual accountable for fleecing the public through lies and deception."

Vega was arraigned last Friday and pleaded not guilty. She’s being held in county jail on $10,000 bail.

After the divorce, O’Connell moved to Virginia with the couple’s child. But the kicker—Vega and O’Connell later reconciled and went on to have a second child.

Michael believes his wife should repay donors and apologize, but he doesn’t think she should face jail time.

"She's a good mom, and that's all that counts at the end of the day,"

O'Connell said. "I want my kids to have their mother back."
Rather than put her in jail, Michael suggests getting Jessica some treatment for her mental health issues.

Okay, but how do we know she’s not faking?

So I personally find this whole story to be rather sickening. How could someone fake having a terminal illness and lead people to believe they're really in need of treatment, sympathy, and most importantly money? Least of all, you're doing it to help fund your wedding costs. Clearly you lack a conscience. If you don't have the money to fund a wedding then perhaps you shouldn't even have one in the first place. This sickened me only because I personally have someone in my family who's suffering from Stage 4 breast cancer. My baby cousin has a mom who's suffering with this horrible chronic illness and you have sick people like this woman who lie about something as serious as this. Cancer is a horrible illness and it affects everyone -- including the sufferer. It changes people, I've had to see that happen. You have people like Ms. Vega here who is abusing this freedom to state that she has an illness, who is manipulating the public by fabricating this whole story. Serves her right for being left, I tip my hat off to her ex-husband for doing the right thing. I think she seriously needs some help.

Anyway personal thoughts? Opinions?

 

[seddy-0]

i take this very personally as i have a very close friend who was diagnosed with cervical cancer and i helped her raise money to pay for her treatments and insurance. i saw what she looked like after chemo, i would not wish that upon any one.. for some one to fake having cancer.. that is low.. i can't believe that some one would do that just to get a dream wedding. dispicable in my opinion.. i have other words but i would get banned for saying them....

 

[Tucker]

This sounds so crazy and horrible that it seems almost too...crazy and horrible.

How could a woman get away with this? There would be no proof of her illness, and how could her family members/fiancee agree with this? If she were getting public funds, there would have to be some proof of her illness, wouldn't there?

I don't know, this whole story seems like there must be more to it, more from the other side (of Jessica and her family), since it's all just so asinine.

I think we all may know someone who has had cancer and it's all very complicated, there are symptoms, doctor visits, and many people know. Just to make up that you are dying from it? That would be very fishy.

 

[Will Graham]

I think this is a pretty cool thing, weddings are incredibly expensive so it makes sense that she had to think outside the box to pay for the wedding she wanted. Yes she lied to them, but they probably felt good thinking that they were making a sick woman's dream come true...oh wait no I don't I'm a normal person. Who would possibly be anything other than appalled at this? I'm guessing, no one at all

 

[kratoscar2008]

I think this is a pretty cool thing, weddings are incredibly expensive so it makes sense that she had to think outside the box to pay for the wedding she wanted. Yes she lied to them, but they probably felt good thinking that they were making a sick woman's dream come true...oh wait no I don't I'm a normal person. Who would possibly be anything other than appalled at this? I'm guessing, no one at all

yes i agree, those people lost theyre money fare and square because they didnt want to save the womans life they wanted that woman to have the perfect wedding and she got it, she was faiking it yes but those people have now to learn a precious lesson: "dont give money to strangers".

 

[The Witch]

No, this woman impacted that community in a negative way. They did a charitable deed for someone (who they thought) was in need because they wanted to HELP the folks who most need it, and what happened? They were lied to and used. What does that tell the charitable person? To not do good for others because they might be being lied to... that sort of lesson isn't good for a world where it's "dog eat dog". We gotta start to show people that it's GOOD to help, but how can we when there's greedy and selfish people like this who will take advantage of them. :/

All her lying about dying did was teach that community to not help out anymore. It's people like her that's what's wrong with this world nowadays. They manipulate others by using the goodness of their own standards/morals against the folks who want to help. And I hate when people use the goodness of other's own hearts against them and take advantage of their kindness--and that's what this woman did. It's disgusting, if you ask me.

Those people wanted to help someone and they were made a fool of. How shameful of her.

 

[Will Graham]

I have a feeling no one actually read the end of my post :sadface:

I think this is a pretty cool thing, weddings are incredibly expensive so it makes sense that she had to think outside the box to pay for the wedding she wanted. Yes she lied to them, but they probably felt good thinking that they were making a sick woman's dream come true...oh wait no I don't I'm a normal person. Who would possibly be anything other than appalled at this? I'm guessing, no one at all

 

[The Witch]

I have a feeling no one actually read the end of my post :sadface:

I did. I did not direct that comment at you, pal. Just stating my opinion on the matter.

 

[L]

This sounds so crazy and horrible that it seems almost too...crazy and horrible.

that's probably because it's an impressive feat that people actually donated without actually knowing whether she really had cancer or not. i mean, as easy as it is to say "what a bitch" and demonize this woman, it's hard to sit there and not tell the people who donated that they are not stupid.

 

[kratoscar2008]

No, this woman impacted that community in a negative way. They did a charitable deed for someone (who they thought) was in need because they wanted to HELP the folks who most need it, and what happened? They were lied to and used. What does that tell the charitable person? To not do good for others because they might be being lied to... that sort of lesson isn't good for a world where it's "dog eat dog". We gotta start to show people that it's GOOD to help, but how can we when there's greedy and selfish people like this who will take advantage of them. :/

All her lying about dying did was teach that community to not help out anymore. It's people like her that's what's wrong with this world nowadays. They manipulate others by using the goodness of their own standards/morals against the folks who want to help. And I hate when people use the goodness of other's own hearts against them and take advantage of their kindness--and that's what this woman did. It's disgusting, if you ask me.

Those people wanted to help someone and they were made a fool of. How shameful of her.

there are poor kids around the world that really NEED help, this woman wanted a wedding before dying? i prefer to give my money to people that actually deserve it, wheter she was lying or not those people just wanted publicity by giving money to her, there are kids in Africa that are still growing and that have actually their lives ahead of them, this "sick" woman was going to die anyway so she didnt deserve it in the first place.

 

[Squid]

I think this is a pretty cool thing, weddings are incredibly expensive so it makes sense that she had to think outside the box to pay for the wedding she wanted. Yes she lied to them, but they probably felt good thinking that they were making a sick woman's dream come true...oh wait no I don't I'm a normal person. Who would possibly be anything other than appalled at this? I'm guessing, no one at all

This Pretty much.
I think you'll find your opinion of this article in the first post is pretty much the opinion of any sane person.
I can't imagine anyone coming on here congratulating her on what she has done.

 

[Big Casino]

Scumbag. Absolute scumbag.

Too fucking right she should pay back every bit of money that was donated. And the father saying she shouldnt face jail because like oh shes such a great mother and at the end of the day that counts for alot

Try saying that to the face of the familes and people who are being told they have cancer and the ones dying of it right now. My mothers just been told she has terminal bone cancer, dont know how much time she has left etc.

I wouldnt piss on this cow if she was on fire.

 

[Mermaid]

That woman is just... urgh. It's revolting of her. Why do that?! Thing I don't get is how or why the future husband agreed to it, or at least let her do all that. And the thing about her being a good mother; wtf has that got to do with anything? She can't be that great a mum if she'd risk all this over a stupid sick lie she made up to get money and attention. Maybe she could do what most people do if they are engaged but don't have much money and POSTPONE it until they have enough to pay for what they need/want for the ceremony and so on. Ugh.

Sadly some people are like this, not as many as you'd think, but even people in my community tend to make up stuff like this too (though most the time they don't take it this far). To be honest though I think everyone on here will disagree with it; you've got to be basically cruel yourself to think it's actually okay to do.

 

[The Witch]

there are poor kids around the world that really NEED help, this woman wanted a wedding before dying? i prefer to give my money to people that actually deserve it, wheter she was lying or not those people just wanted publicity by giving money to her, there are kids in Africa that are still growing and that have actually their lives ahead of them, this "sick" woman was going to die anyway so she didnt deserve it in the first place.

What? Those people didn't give her money for publicity--they didn't get a prize or recognition by having their names on some wooden town hall board. How could they have possibly done it for publicity when they got NO recognition for doing so? That's absurd. They did it because they wanted to give a DYING person some happiness before they died.

Yes, there are people worse off in Africa or some other third world country. But these people that gave money to what they thought was a dying woman did it because they were told she had a year to live and all she wanted was a dream wedding... those people wanted to give a little piece of happiness to someone they thought had a terrible end coming. And this woman made a fool of them by taking advantage of their kind hearts and generosity.

And OH MY GOD. Are you serious? Dying people don't deserve something great/beautiful? Are you kidding me? Are you freaking kidding me?!

 

[kratoscar2008]

What? Those people didn't give her money for publicity--they didn't get a prize or recognition by having their names on some wooden town hall board. How could they have possibly done it for publicity when they got NO recognition for doing so? That's absurd. They did it because they wanted to give a DYING person some happiness before they died.

Yes, there are people worse off in Africa or some other third world country. But these people that gave money to what they thought was a dying woman did it because they were told she had a year to live and all she wanted was a dream wedding... those people wanted to give a little piece of happiness to someone they thought had a terrible end coming. And this woman made a fool of them by taking advantage of their kind hearts and generosity.

And OH MY GOD. Are you serious? Dying people don't deserve something great/beautiful? Are you kidding me? Are you freaking kidding me?!

when you donate blood you do it for two reasons:
1. You sincerely hope that blood help people or
2. You want to donate and receive the badge that proofs that you donate blood so you can bragg about it with your friends and say "hey i donate blood, im a cool guy".

And this is i feel the reason most people donate money, so their neighborgs can tell you how a good person you are. Where i live around the corner i see poor kids and old people that actually need my help, i dont receive any proof of my charity not anyone knows of my deeds.

Depending of the age of the person is dying they deserve to have something before dying, something so superficial like a wedding it sounds to me like a plot for "I want my 15" from those reality shows. Who say that weddings must be expensives? She only wanted the fancies of a wedding not marry her lover so wishs like that arent worth of my attention.You can say i dont have a heart and your probably right but thats how the world works.

 

[Kei]

I'm not gonna sympathies with anyone here. Sure what she did was horrible but like someone said before she thought outside of the box. Whether you like it or not, there are people like that. If anything I criticize whoever published her fake illness story without looking it up and making sure it's true. Sure she's low and all but I still blame the society.

when you donate blood you do it for two reasons:
1. You sincerely hope that blood help people or
2. You want to donate and receive the badge that proofs that you donate blood so you can bragg about it with your friends and say "hey i donate blood, im a cool guy".

Not true, I donate blood just for fun, I don't get a badge here for donating blood nor do I care if someone has been helped because of it. When I go donate, I do it for the free juice and the dizzy feel. ;D

 

[Big Casino]

Thinking outside the box gimme a fucking break. Seriously passing this off as thinking outside the box like your applauding her for being able to trick and steal from people. I know perfectly well ''whether i like it or not'' theres chancers in the world and arseholes. I choose not to like them.
Blaming the people who donated and the publishers is just ridiculous aswell. Dont blame the bitch who started all this shite. Blame the poor sods who are out of pocket after hoping theyd help someone.( theyre just mugs and deserve to be ripped off) Or blame the person who wrote the story. Dont blame the actual person who stole, lied, cheated and started the whole mess in the first place....seriously? like......really...seriously?

And at the 2 reasons the guy above me gave about giving blood. I find the blue peter blood donor badge idea pretty funny tbh. I dunno about that. Maybe people round your neck of the woods are looking for medals but i dont know anyone like that. Even still if thats the case. Whether they did it for selfish reasons or not, to say hey! Ive done my good deed for the day check me out etc. I dont think the person who needs the blood or the nurse drawing it is gunna particularly care. Its the actual donation that matters and theyl take what they can. Unless your gay of course then they dont want it.

 

[Sexy Beast]

She wanted a wedding, so she got it. And now that she's public of how she lied about the illness, she's getting her just deserts. Yeah, it's horrible what she did, but hey, if you're able to do the crime, prepare to do the time. I personally hope she is found guilty on all charges.

 

[kratoscar2008]

She made the story
People swallow it
They gave her money
She took her money
Dont blame her, blame people that were dump enough to buy that crap
Suck it up.

 

[Kei]

Thinking outside the box gimme a fucking break. Seriously passing this off as thinking outside the box like your applauding her for being able to trick and steal from people. I know perfectly well ''whether i like it or not'' theres chancers in the world and arseholes. I choose not to like them.
Blaming the people who donated and the publishers is just ridiculous aswell. Dont blame the bitch who started all this shite. Blame the poor sods who are out of pocket after hoping theyd help someone.( theyre just mugs and deserve to be ripped off) Or blame the person who wrote the story. Dont blame the actual person who stole, lied, cheated and started the whole mess in the first place....seriously? like......really...seriously?

I never said I don't blame her for anything, I merely think it's mainly the fault of the publisher of her story, she couldn't have done what she had done without the carelessness of the publishers, and I blame the people who donated because their money went to some "1 day wish" that I think is really stupid. If they wanted to help people with cancer then donate for cancer research instead of giving off fancy weddings. I just don't believe the donated money went for a great cause disregarding it was all a scam.

Blame the poor sods who are out of pocket after hoping theyd help someone.( theyre just mugs and deserve to be ripped off)

If your assumption that the people who donated are out of pockets, then I'll just call them down-right idiots. Simple reason is they lack common sense as you don't donate if you're low on money.