The FBI is searching for a woman accused of faking terminal brain cancer and defrauding friends, family and donors of approximately $100,000.
Vanessa O'Rourke, 37, originally from Harleysville, Pennsylvania, allegedly told loved ones she had glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer, and needed money for treatment in Australia. In 2015 and 2016, she claimed the funds would pay for an experimental procedure, but when she travelled to Australia in April 2016, she engaged in leisure activities and received no medical treatment, according to investigators.
After returning home, her loved ones helped raise further funds through a webpage and a restaurant fundraiser. She then made a second trip to Australia later that year, again engaging in leisure activities and receiving no treatment for what the FBI described as a nonexistent illness.
O'Rourke was indicted on 15 counts of wire fraud in 2018 and remains at large. She has used the aliases Vanessa Gulinello and Cecilia Vincent Gaeta Lazaro, and was last known to be living in Queensland, Australia. Her case was featured on the FBI's Most Wanted social media account last week.
US Attorney William McSwain said: 'The allegations in this case are nauseating. O'Rourke is charged with preying upon the kindness and generosity of good people who wished to help those in need.' Michael J. Driscoll, special agent in charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division, added: 'Misleading people about a significant medical diagnosis in order to take advantage of their kind hearts and open wallets is reprehensible.'
