A Nevada woman admitted she faked a devastating cancer diagnosis not just for money — but for attention, sympathy, and connection — leaving a trail of betrayed friends and shaken survivors in her wake.

Haleigh Knight, of Henderson, pleaded guilty to felony theft after authorities said she defrauded multiple people out of more than $20,000 between June 2023 and April 2024. But for those who believed her story, the emotional toll may run deeper than the financial loss.

According to court documents, Knight confessed that she fabricated a pancreatic cancer diagnosis so people “would feel guilty and more inclined to love and be around her.”

Among those caught in the scheme was Suzanne Duroy, a real cancer survivor who said she became Knight’s self-described “chemo angel” — offering emotional support, guidance, and nearly $1,000 in money and gifts.

“I felt heartbroken for her,” Duroy said, recounting how she shared her own painful medical journey in an effort to help someone she believed was suffering. Duroy had undergone a bilateral mastectomy, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and a hysterectomy — experiences she now says were used against her.

“I feel so manipulated,” she added. “I was here crying because I felt so bad for her.”

Authorities say Knight’s deception was extensive. Prosecutors allege she created GoFundMe campaigns, posed as different people online, and sent detailed updates about fake treatments to maintain the illusion. Victims followed along in real time, believing they were supporting a woman fighting for her life.

Another victim, Rachel Riedel, didn’t hold back when describing the impact.

“She’s a sociopath,” Riedel said in an interview. “She will scam you if she can touch you.”

Court documents reveal that Knight even acknowledged how calculated her actions were. In text messages cited by prosecutors, she described carrying out the scheme “very very sneakily,” while also claiming she felt like “two different people” and couldn’t control her behavior.

Victim Cydney Fink received messages from Knight apologizing for the deception — but only after the damage had been done. By then, the trust, money, and emotional investment had already been taken.

For many, the betrayal was made worse by the personal nature of the support they offered. Victims weren’t just donors — they were friends, confidants, and in some cases, survivors reliving their own trauma to help someone they believed was in need.

“What she’s done to all these other women is absolutely terrible,” Duroy said. “So many were her friends, and they would have helped her if she needed help.”

Knight has agreed to pay $19,787.12 in restitution as part of her plea deal. If she fulfills the conditions of her probation and repays the money in full, she may be allowed to withdraw her felony plea and instead plead guilty to a misdemeanor, receiving credit for time served.

But for those affected, the resolution in court may not bring closure.