A woman from Iowa was charged with defrauding $37,000 from donors by falsely claiming to have cancer and a football-sized tumor on her spine.
Madison Marie Russo, age 19, was arrested on January 23 after medical professionals revealed she was faking a stage 2 cancer diagnosis by pointing out abnormalities in her ‘chemo’ TikTok videos.
Russo said she had pancreatic cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and a tumor the size of a football on her lower back and spine.
According to KWQC, police discovered medical records from places where she was a patient that proved she had never been treated for cancer or tumors. Additionally, authorities learned that Russo stole social media images from cancer victims and passed them off as her own.
She posted $10,000 bail on the same day she was detained.
Madison Marie Russo, 19, allegedly lied about being diagnosed with stage 2 cancer. Last week, she was arrested after medical professionals pointed out the anomalies of her ‘chemo’ TikTok films’ wires and tubes.
The medical records collected by the police from the clinics where she was a patient proved she had never been treated for cancer or tumors.
According to KWQC, police executed a search warrant at Russo’s residence in Bettendorf, where they discovered a brown paper bag containing medical supplies, an IV pole with a cotton ball-filled pump, boxes of clear dressing, wigs, and a prescription for nausea written out to her relative.
Officials discovered Russo accepted donations from 439 individuals and organizations, including cancer foundations and school districts. By January 19, a GoFundMe account stated that an additional $37,303 had been raised.
Russo told The North Scott Press in October that her purported medical adventure began in February 2022 when she received a phone call regarding her diagnosis while attending St. Ambrose University.
Russo stated, “It was early in the morning, and I had been eagerly awaiting these test results.” “My phone rang and the message said “Iowa City Oncology.” I left the classroom to answer the phone call.
“I was afraid, and I am still terrified. I was stunned. I did not believe it to be true. Given my youth, I questioned how this could occur. I experienced every emotion and was left feeling numb.
Before being diagnosed with cancer, the putative cancer patient said that bloody feces, nosebleeds, and fevers prompted her to undergo lab tests.
She stated that doctors had given her a five-year survival prognosis of 11% when she received her diagnosis.
She remarked, “I recall hanging up the phone and being a mess.” “I was literally sobbing, but I found the courage to wipe away my tears and return to class, which, now that I think about it, was quite bizarre.”
At the time, according to Russo, doctors insisted that surgical removal of her ‘football-sized’ tumor was impossible. Russo stated that it was deemed “higher risk than reward.”
By January 19, a GoFundMe account stated that an additional $37,303 had been raised.
Authorities discovered Russo collected contributions from 439 contributors, including cancer charities and school districts.
Russo claimed she endured approximately 15 rounds of chemotherapy and 90 rounds of radiation between February and October 2022, as reported by the news source. She also insisted on consulting with Mayo Clinic physicians.
She said, “Life has been absolutely insane.” Similar to a Catch-22. I cannot win by failing. I feel as though I’ve been shaken to my very core, and everything is currently somewhat uncertain. I simply want to know my game plan, which I currently do not have.
‘Of course, not every day can be filled with sunshine and rainbows, but you cannot choose to be angry with the cancer. It simply occurs to people. If you remain depressed and in a dark environment, I fear that your body will never recover.’
Russo was able to maintain a 4.0 GPA, work part-time, and participate in outdoor activities while being diagnosed with cancer.
Russo claimed she got approximately 15 chemotherapy cycles and 90 radiation cycles between February and October 2022.
Russo’s’medical journey’ was frequently documented on social media, where she discussed her supposed chemotherapy treatment and daily symptoms.
Russo stated in a prior video, “Days like these are challenging.” “I just have different mixed emotions, and with my hair – and stuff like that is obviously a big fear – obviously as a girl… hair is a big part of everyone’s lives, but to consider the possibility of using it, it’s just another thing… hopefully nothing else falls out.”
Russo revealed in a different video that she had a tough week after chemotherapy but was not sick.
Russo remarked, “This week has been somewhat eventful.” “In the realm of cancer, eventful is undesirable. I prefer an uninteresting week because it indicates that you’re coasting along.
“Therefore, I’ve encountered a minor obstacle. This is my chemo-free week, so I’ve only been receiving radiation. However, I sort of developed this fever. This one is very strange because I don’t feel nauseous. I have neither a cold nor a sore throat, nor any of the other symptoms… Similar to the sense of being exhausted.’
Russo stated that lab results indicating a low white blood cell count likely resulted from her recent chemotherapy treatment.
Russo’s’medical journey’ was frequently documented on social media, where she discussed her supposed chemotherapy treatment and daily symptoms.
The footage of Russo’s treatment ‘within’ a medical clinic was also recorded in her apartment, according to the police.
After contributing unintentionally to Russo’s plan, donors were horrified to hear of her incarceration.
When my friend sent me the link and asked, “hey didn’t you donate to this?” I was speechless. An anonymous donor told KWQC. “I didn’t donate as much as you did, but you did what you could and you’re shocked.”
GoFundMe officials notified Russo’s donors that they will get their funds within seven business days.
Internet sleuths were quick to attack Russo and discover hidden errors in her videos.
One Twitter user tweeted a picture of Russo smiling while linked to a gastrostomy tube and chest port that was incorrectly placed.
What is going on with that chest port? asked one TikTok user in reaction to the image. I am not a chemo nurse, but this does not appear to be a port. The dressing is a complete mess.
Another TikToker attempted to imitate Russo by attempting to insert an old gastrostomy tube into her nose.
She commented, “Definitely not comfortable” and added in the caption, “my nose hurt after doing that”
Russo’s arraignment is scheduled for March 2.
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