Addict fakes cancer to raise funds for heroin

Those who took one look at Brittany Ozarowski had no doubt she was battling cancer.

Her face was drawn and gaunt. She weighed a mere 80 pounds, hobbled gingerly on a cane, and complained of the toll chemotherapy and radiation treatments were taking on her fragile body.

Neighbours and friends wanted to help so much they gladly put donation jars on store counters, gave money themselves and organised fundraisers — including a dinner dance and a dog-washing event — that together raised tens of thousands of dollars. Ozarowski also had a website showing her in a wheelchair next to a plea: “Help Save My Life”.