By MELISSA MEEHAN
Joshua’s battle with cancer takes different turn
INTERNET trolls have stolen the identity of an Upwey family whose son battles an inoperable brain tumour.
Penne Schwarz said she was gobsmacked and shocked when she stumbled across a fund-raising website using her son Joshua’s photo and story.
“I typed his name into google, and there it was, all of the information was copied from our original fund-raising site,” Ms Schwarz said.
“Then I saw they had raised $3500 under his name. They are taking advantage of a horrible situation and people’s kindness.”
As soon as she realised the site was a scam, Ms Schwarz posted a warning on the Joshua’s Journey facebook page.
In November 2013, Penne and husband Wolfgang received the devastating news that their beautiful baby boy had an inoperable malignant brain tumour, caused by a rare genetic disorder.
Doctors said they couldn’t save him, and gave him just months to live.
While Ms Schwarz said she hadn’t done anything personally about the site, because she had better things to focus her energy on – like looking after her sick son.
“I am still stunned that someone could do that,” she said.
Dozens of her friends set to work to close the page down, even contacting the website directly.
They found that the website was being managed from the Philippines, Arizona and Sydney.
The facilitator of the page, Stephen Rix from Sydney, replied, denying any fraudulent behaviour.
“No, this is not fraudulent at all, it is being developed and these are place markers for the developers,” he said.
“You will note that there is not even a way to contribute money. I am creating this site to help people. But I admire your concern, please check back with us in a few months.”
When pushed for a further explanation, Mr Rix said that he looked at a number of fund-raisers and picked a variety of ones that he felt were relevant and worthwhile supporting to give to his developer to create a website he was trying to achieve, but offered to remove the page immediately.
“I apologise if you found me using Joshua’s identity in this manner,” he said.
“I can understand that you initially found this offensive, I am just trying to build something that helps others.”
Mr Rix said the site was not raising money from the use of Joshua’s story – as there was no way for people to donate.
Ms Schwarz said that with so many people wanting to help it was heartbreaking to see someone try to take advantage.
Those who want to donate to help Joshua and his family in their battle can donate to Bendigo Bank, BSB number 633-000, Account number 142259027, Account title PJ Schwarz.
Another dinner and auction fund-raiser will be held in Joshua’s name by a family friend on Saturday 22 March at the Mulgrave Country Club.
The adults only function will include a three-course dinner for $60 a head. For tickets, contact Charlotte 0412 349 227.
