Vanessa O’Rourke, in her late 30s, reportedly claimed she had glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer, and convinced friends, family, and community members to give her money for “experimental treatments” in Australia.
Trips to Australia
O’Rourke allegedly traveled to Australia twice but did not receive any medical treatment. Instead, authorities say she took vacations while claiming to undergo medical procedures.
Fundraisers
After returning to her home in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, O’Rourke allegedly persuaded people to hold two fundraisers on her behalf. A GoFundMe campaign reportedly raised nearly $12,000 from more than 140 people, and a local restaurant held an in-person fundraiser.
Charges
In May 2018, O’Rourke was charged with 15 federal counts of wire fraud by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Authorities believe she is currently out of the country, most likely in Australia.
FBI Request
The FBI is asking anyone with information about O’Rourke to contact a local field office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
