Delran woman admits faking cancer to get money

A Delran woman admitted Monday that she faked bladder cancer two years ago and collected donations from supporters.

Lori E. Stilley, 41, who was arrested in September, pleaded guilty to theft by deception in Superior Court in Burlington County. Family members and supporters raised more than $12,000 after she announced she had cancer in February 2011.

Supporters helped prepare meals and planned Stilley's wedding in nine days, covering the cost. But people grew suspicious when Stilley postponed her hospice care after announcing on Facebook in November 2011 that a "miracle" was coming.

Under the plea deal, Stilley, a former social worker, will receive four years' probation and will have to pay restitution of $15,000 to $20,000, Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi said in announcing the plea.

Stilley must undergo a psychiatric evaluation and perform at least 100 hours of community service. She also surrenders her right to appeal. She has been out on bail since her arrest. Sentencing is scheduled for July 26.

Stilley's attorney, Adam S. Malamut, declined to comment on specifics of the case.

"This is a case where unfortunately there are no winners, and a lot of damage has already been done to people's relationships and to family relationships," Malamut said.

Stilley first told those close to her in February 2011 that had Stage 3 bladder cancer and would undergo radiation treatments and chemotherapy. She posted the information on Facebook and her personal website.

Two months later, she reported that her condition had worsened, and she had Stage 4 cancer, authorities said.

Malamut said his client had suffered a stroke and was unemployed at the time.

But no one accompanied Stilley to see a doctor, an acquaintance recalled, or viewed the lab reports or medical bills scattered around her home.

A T-shirt sale and a banquet in July 2011 raised more than $8,400. Another event and cash raffle raised $1,000 that summer.

On Stilley's website, friends posted a calendar for people to sign up to deliver home-cooked meals,

Stilley, a mother of two, chronicled her struggle in a 306-page e-book, I'Mpossible - How a Facebook Group Loved Me Through Cancer. The book sold for $14.99 on her website in October 2011 and grossed more than $3,000, authorities said.

Malamut said a "fairly significant" amount of money had not been spent.

Stilley also told friends she wanted to marry her then-boyfriend before she died. Family and friends planned the wedding, which took place at the Moorestown Community House, which lowered its price to $500.

Stilley is still married, her attorney said.