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Build a Better Caias
Caias Ward is a guy who used to weigh 315 pounds and then lost 100 pounds in a few months. As a result his skin got all loose and saggy. He's hoping to get plastic surgery to help tighten his skin, but the bill for the operation is $14,098, which he can't afford. So this is his solution:

I need 7500 people to donate $2.32 so I can get my surgery. If people want to give me more, that's great, but $2.32 is the number I'm looking for from people. If you don't feel comfortable just donating money, I'm willing to do a number of outrageous (or not so outrageous) things in order to earn your money. The amount you send will determine what I am willing to do.

The obvious question this raises is whether it's for real, or is it all an elaborate sob story to scam money? Caias says: "some people have requested proof that I am a real person. It's completely understandable, and I appreciate the concern in this day and age. I'm working on a way to prove my circumstance, from the exam photos for the surgery consultation all the way to 'meet and greets' in the New York and New Jersey area." Caias sounds like a real person, but even so, what if he decides in the end not to get the operation because he only gets halfway to his financial goal? Will he return whatever money he received? Donate it to charity? Or what? That was the main problem with Invest In My Breast (if anyone remembers that scam).
Categories: Body Manipulation
Posted by Alex on Sun Mar 06, 2005
Comments (85)
More from the Hoax Museum Archives:
Or he'd be so excited that he's got $100 & blow it all on double cheeseburgers & then not need the surgery b/c he's using his baggy skin again.
Posted by Maegan  on  Mon Mar 07, 2005  at  06:43 AM
Even if his situation is real, it's hard to imagine someone doing this sort of solicitation. It's like putting a big sign saying "kick me" over your head, and you become a point of derision for people who haven't a clue. Not to mention loss of privacy, etc.
Posted by cvirtue  on  Mon Mar 07, 2005  at  10:18 AM
Its his own fault so I have no money. I mean I have no pity :D

Anyway scroll down to the bottom and look at the picture (second one up I think) of him standing in the street. It looks a bit fakeyto me. Not sure how though...
Posted by davetolomy  on  Mon Mar 07, 2005  at  10:22 AM
...Why doesn't he do full body shots? I always tend to disbelieve people that don't go out of their way to prove they're being truthful.
Posted by Maegan  on  Tue Mar 08, 2005  at  05:07 AM
The odd-looking photograph mentioned above seems to have been taken during dusk, with a flash, and thus he looks superimposed. It's an odd picture to have taken, though, and it doesn't look as if he's had a signitifant enough weight transition to warrant surgery. Judging by his hairline in the photograph below, he's just starting off on the long road to male pattern baldness.
Posted by Ashley Pomeroy  on  Tue Mar 08, 2005  at  07:14 AM
This is an issue of vanity at this point is it not? He wants to run from which he was. Unfortunately, Newton's Second Law pops up again. He should give himself plastic surgery with a filet knife and a butcher's needle. I'm sure it would be cheaper.
Posted by ProjectMayhem  on  Tue Mar 08, 2005  at  09:36 AM
...he would probably become more self-aware if he were to go the filet-knife-butcher's-needle route.
Posted by Maegan  on  Wed Mar 09, 2005  at  09:07 AM
Hi, I'm Caias Ward, the one who is looking to raise the money. Last I checked, I'm not a hoax.

Some important points have been raised, and I'm glad to answer them.

1) what if I don't use the money for the surgery?

Completely valid. Not sure how I can convince people that I will use the money for surgery, other than by telling them my story and letting them know this is a last step in a long road for me. But let's assume I am just using it to buy a new car...
If I sell you something (through ebay auction or directly), or provide a real service to you for your money (technical writing, graphic design, editing), the end result is that you have something you wanted in your hands, for a price you wanted to pay. I'm not asking for raw donations, but for some awareness of what I am doing.
I fully plan on getting the surgery, however, because I put in too much work with the weight loss to not finish the job. Besides, I am contributing what money I can of my own to the surgery, so I may not need the full amount from people buying stuff from me on ebay or having me do strange things.

2) Vanity vs Health

Yes, I would like a better body shape after all the work I did to lose this weight. We all want to be happy with our appearance. I'm also having trouble sleeping due to the excess skin. Imagine sleeping on seven or eight towels, bunched up, under you. That's how I sleep every night. Removal of the skin will result in a better body contour, and will actually let me lay down properly.
I managed to improve myself, so now I'm just trying to finish the project I started a while ago. As for running from what I once was, I'm a lot faster runner (can do the mile in 9:43) and could easily outpace the 315 pound man I once was...

3) The Pictures

The first picture was indeed taken at dusk. Sorry I don't have more pictures for you, but I was very self-conscious of being photographed at that time in my life. As for the other photo, I can provide people with better photos, and am getting photos of my consulation from my cosmetic surgeon to post in my livejournal. They aren't that pretty, but they will show the excess skin well enough

As well, I'm working on getting a number of affidavits from people, including a New Jersey Congressional candidate (so you can verify he's a real person as well).

As for male pattern baldness, my hairline hasn't shifted to my recollection, and I have a very full head of hair. Thanks for the concern, however; all the men in my family maintain their hair well into their 70's, and my maternal grandmother died at 84 with a full head of hair...

4) Butcher knives and cosmetic surgery.

I might have trouble reaching the skin behind me, so do it yourself surgery isn't an option. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

In closing, contribute or not, your choice. I can only keep the journal updated and spread the word about what I am doing.

Caias Ward
Posted by Caias Ward  on  Mon Mar 21, 2005  at  11:11 PM
As an actual friend of Caias, it's shocking to me to see what has become of his endeavors. I can't begin to understand how begging for boobs can be equated to a desperate need to be rid of extra skin that makes life difficult. They are not the same sort of situations. There is nothing vain about the physical discomfort that shedding his obesity has created nor is it uncommon for someone in his position. Is getting into good health and shape only for the well to do? As his insurance won't cover it, I think his response has been both clever and more in the realm of a brother's keeper. So a few people go without a latte for one day so they can contribute a piddling few dollars toward investing in another human being.

This is a real person who is really living this experience. The truly disgusting act is not his request but what some very ugly human beings have done in response just to feel real for a few, fleeting moments. Shame on you!
Posted by Victoria  on  Mon Mar 21, 2005  at  11:19 PM
Yeah, and we all believe vicky stumbled on this just minutes after "caias" did.

Please, caias, after every post, have someone beg for cash for you. It makes it SO much more believable.
Posted by Rod  on  Mon Mar 21, 2005  at  11:39 PM
Not a very bright boy, are you? Indignation looks nothing like begging.

And the name is Victoria... as spelled. As to details of who I am, they are not the issue. I'm not putting myself up for grabs for this insideous little pile of rot you all think is worthy of your respects over human dignity.

The fact that you cannot discern writing styles is another tribute your wildly lacking mental capacity.

Go do something with your time instead of jacking off to what you perceive to be a fault in someone else. You're life will be so much more meaningful.
Posted by Victoria  on  Mon Mar 21, 2005  at  11:50 PM
Considering I showed her the link a few minutes after I posted, it doesn't seem odd.

In the future, I ask anyone who is supporting me to provide some proof of who they are. MySpace profile, Livejournal, perhaps a note from their mother will work? My friend Monk is posting soon, I asked him to put proof that he is a real person and not some split personality of mine...

People will question or not. I'm offering goods and services so that I can get this surgery. It may not be Sally Struthers in Africa, but Sally won't be able to edit your corporate reports (I've worked as an editor for 13 years).
Posted by Caias Ward  on  Mon Mar 21, 2005  at  11:52 PM
so its rather interesting, tho not unexected to see something like this. first, i must say that it doesnt surprise me to see such attention paid to the situation. something as outrageous as what caias is doing is sure to draw suspicion. now, secondly, i must say i feel rather dissapointed in some of the posts here. ive see parhaps 50% of the posts bearing some semblence of intelligent thought, or planning. the rest seem to be the same narrowminded and hate filled, or ignorance bred bullying that would lead someone to hate their own appearence as much as caias does. the same comments that force one to believ ethat to ever have a fair chance in life, one must conform as closely as possible to the "norm" of physical appearence. the man had a serious problem. he did his best to better himself, and the result is a healthier caias, with a slight problem. the man cant even get a full nights sleep because of the excess of skin...it isnt a point to be mocked or ridiculed. he didnt get stomach stapling, or other cosmetic enhancements to do this...he sweated and bled for it...i think he deserves respect for that at least. as for his seriousness, he refuses to take money as a handout...hence the acts ranging from amazing to talented to insane, and hes perfectly serious. if it seems to those of you who can gather an inference, that i know caias, youre correct. caias is a great friend of mine, whom i sympathize with greatly. hes a counsel, and a helper, and hell, hes even a dork. i play D&D with the man every friday. ive been here, and helped encourage the entire plan. so whether or not you believe caias is real, or that hes in it for a true cause, please, bear enough respect as people to keep ignorant opinions out, and lets at least have an intelligent discussion over it...also, if you doubt his reality, look for him on myspace...if you doubt mine, the url i provided is my myspace page....hopefully its real enough.
Posted by monk  on  Mon Mar 21, 2005  at  11:59 PM
What's that smell?

Oh, yes, BULLSHIT.

Funny how you people all popped up at the same time and all...

I'm not saying the guy isn't looking for money for plastic, I'm saying that I think you're crazy to think that anyone here (a HOAX site) will believe that you and your buddies all just happened to drop by all at the same time...

And in the middle of the night on a weekday, too.
Posted by Rod  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  12:35 AM
I've never met Caias in person (but I wouldn't mind doing so -- he seems like a cool person to hang out with) but I'm not convinced this is a hoax.

Caias is doing some e-panhandling. There's nothing wrong with it. People who want to give, will give; those who don't, won't.

He's not spamming people with unsolicited emails asking you to give him money (which would be annoying).

Still, congrats, Caias, on making it into the Museum of Hoaxes. The viral is spreading. 😊
Posted by Dossy  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  04:42 AM
So, Rod, what can I do to prove that these people are real people? Point out that one of them is a college student, and thus up all night? Or perhaps others live in other time zones? There are roughly 23 others?

As for Dossy (someone who I met through my journal), it's not exactly e-panhandling. Think of me as the guy on the corner selling stuff. You don't get offended when he sells you a paper; why should you get offended when I try to sell you something?

That goes for all of you. Buy or not, use my services or not, your call. I'll still be raising money.
Posted by Caias Ward  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  06:05 AM
Based on their IP addresses Caias, Victoria, and Monk are all different people. At least, they're all posting from different computers.

Like I said in my original post about this, my hunch was that Caias was perfectly real and on the level. My main reason for posting about it was that I thought what Caias was doing raised an interesting issue of how you know whether to trust people you encounter on the internet.

Though as Caias points out, if you buy a service or product from him, it doesn't matter whether or not you believe his story. Presumably you're getting something for your money.
Posted by The Curator  in  San Diego  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  08:42 AM
Nother actual friend of Caias coming out of the woodworks. I think its absolutely hilarious that people consider this a hoax. Ohh, and for those of you who think that we're all the same person? I'm not on at the same time as everyone else!! Hooray!!!! I met Caias for the first time...what? year and a half ago now? In that time he has been the sweetest, most helpful person I have ever known. Even when I would brush him off for months on end because I was too busy to chat, he was always there for him when I needed him. And he'd always "*bring a sofa*" to relax and chat on in IM. :D There is absolutely nothing wrong with what Caias is doing, and if you think he's a hoax, thats fine, don't donate. Otherwise, help the guy out. I know there have been times in your life where you could have used a hand up, physically, emotionally, or financially, why not help someone else? Is $2.32 really gonna break your pocket book?
Posted by Sarah / k4jt3  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  10:30 AM
This'll teach me to double check before I post.

"Even when I would brush him off for months on end because I was too busy to chat, he was always there for him when I needed him."

Yeah, that should read "...always there for ME when I needed him."

*runs off to find dye to cover her blonde roots*
Posted by Sarah / k4tj3  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  10:33 AM
I can think of a heck of a lot of scams that would be more interesting than "Please help get rid of my extra skin." Such as "Please help my grandma who is dying of leukemia," or "Please help! My dog who could die of cancer if he dosn't get this operation," or "Please help my disabled little girl to fulfill her wish." C'mon, stop and THINK for a second!

Plus, $2.32 is a pretty random figure, not to mention it's NOT a lot of money! Wouldn't $10 or $20 per person be a lot more reasonable to ask for if it were a scam?

What sort of proof do you want? He could take a picture naked to show all and yet people would still claim it was Photoshopped. Words and replies can be taken out of context and twisted. Do you really want proof? Or do you prefer to demean someone with the great annoymous internet?

I don't know this person personally. I don't give out money to strangers, I don't lend or give money to friends unless I am sure of what will be done with it. All the rude and absolutely horrid comments have actually piqued my curiosity to check into this person, and I'm quite curious to see how this turns out.
Posted by Lori  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  10:52 AM
Thank you, Lori.

I picked $2.32 because it if you say it as 'two thirty two', it's catchy. It's also results in 2 dollars after fees from Paypal (which people have been uses to send payment for items and such).

As for giving money to strangers, it's generally a good idea. It's why I'm offering goods and services online, so that people actually get value for it, and it's not sending money somewhere and hoping it works out. You actually get something out of it.
Posted by Caias Ward  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  11:02 AM
Caias is real I know him and can supply proof, ie dinner receipts for coffee at 3am, however I am not real, so this may or may not debunk everything including my two year old kid. Point being Caias is a good guy, I spelled his name wrong for like the first six months I knew him though
Posted by Ryan  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  11:09 AM
I'll preface this with a couple links to "prove" that I'm a real person. Although I'm sure I'll get the same speculation/distrust as others, which is to be expected.

My URL is to my myspace page. I also have a LiveJournal which you can visit at http://www.livejournal.com/users/capricia/. I also have an OkCupid page at http://www.okcupid.com/profile?tuid=10260753505770138930.
I've got a bunch more, so please feel free to ask. And before you speculate that I created these in five minutes just so I could post this, check the sign up dates. I've had my LJ for years, and myspace since a year or two ago.

Moving on... the original poster of this, I think it's Alex, brought up some valid points about this whole thing. There are lots of "what ifs" to Caias 's "project". But, what it comes down to is, so what?

I know Caias personally, so, he'll get my money... and the people who support his cause will contribute their's and hopefully spread the word.

It's not as if he's being aloof or "shady" about any of his information. He's offered to meet people in person for fuck's sake. If you really don't believe him that much, take him up on the offer.

If you don't want to give the man your money, that's your perogative... but what the hell gives you the right to flame him publicly just because you don't believe in what he's doing? He sure as hell isn't hurting any of you. So, to the "nay sayers", speculate what you will, you're more than entitled to. But, to those of you who think you're witty by bashing somebody you barely know, grow up. I left highschool years ago, maybe you guys would like to join me sometime.
Posted by Bean  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  11:13 AM
Bean, you are, ofcoarse, entitled to speak your mind. Remember that others here are allowed to do the same. The discussion of Caias is similar to other topics that have turned out to be fruadulant(DiD I spell that right??) and that is why it is on here, it sparks interest, and also shows how others feel about someone doing this, after all, he put himself in the spotlight and probably knew people would think negative about it, and he probably didn't give a shit because chances are, he will get some money. So, why get so stressed about it.
Posted by X  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  11:29 AM
What's going on everyone...

Caias is a good friend of mine, I've known him for a few years. I've posted his banner in my LiveJournal... http://www.livejournal.com/users/threadingfate

Because I believe in Caias. I held witness to the large amount of weight he did lose. And if it doesn't sound believable, because of the pictures - well don't forget, it's not always weight but inches themselves that matter a lot in the appearance themselves. And you can lose a bunch of inches in water weight before noticing any signifigant pound decrease - that was the case with Caias. I'm not going to lambast people for the things they've said on this thread, I wont even disagree with them. But I am here to inform you that Caias is in fact a real person - as am I. And to verify that this weight was lost, and that any money given to Caias will be used towards his surgery (not that it is any of your business anyway). If you don't feel comfortable giving money to people on the internet - then don't. Hell if you don't feel comfortable giving money to people period, then don't. It's irrelevant whether or not you believe him. But he's not here begging for anyone's money - he's here offering goods and services to obtain money for something he believes in - it's not panhandling.
Posted by Joe  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  11:41 AM
Am I the only one that doesn't know this guy????
Posted by X  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  12:10 PM
Not really. Lots of people don't know me. But they can get to know me if they would like. Drop me an IM or something.

Spread the word. 😊
Posted by Caias Ward  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  12:20 PM
Just to add a note, if this is really Caias (We have had people go to some extremes to trick us)We do have serious discussions on here. Allthough at times we get this virus called (Rod) and it tends to start these incoherent ramblings. J/K Rod!!!! Anyway, there are a handfull of us (Including me) that like to make comments to get a little entertainment sparked up in here. We like hoaxes, and sometimes joke about what might be a joke, unless proven otherwise. Just let it be known that your site has gotten a little more attention, some bad, some good, but non the less, ATTENTION.

We have people wander in here at times (Someone linked us) not knowing exactly what we are, and in the confusion, start cursing us or whatever. Funny at times, but does get annoying. That means we get negative attention then. It works both ways. But it's (I hate this phrase) All GOOD!!!!

For future refferance for those of you that look up to me and learn from me, even, should I say, "Worship" me, You just witnessed ME rambling in an almost confused state of mind, please forgive if this made no sense what so ever.
Posted by X  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  01:08 PM
You know, people, if you read my original post and didnt't just scan it, I said "I'm not saying the guy isn't looking for money for plastic"

I'm not saying he isn't for real.

I'm saying that it's kinda funny that all of these people showed up very soon after caias' first post.

As for changing IP addresses, if I wanted to I could post every single message with a different IP. It's pretty damned simple, anyone can do it. Use GHOSTSURF. I don't use ghostsurf in my "daily reads" because I prefer using Firefox and Ghostsurf does not support Firefox. I would have to use Internet Explorer (or another browser) to use ghostsurf, which I do whenever I go to a site I've never been to. IE allows all of the popups and has tons of open backdoors.

Yes, being skeptic makes you look like a jerk at times. Especially when you're already a jerk (Type 3, just go read Pro-Ana).
Posted by Rod  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  01:27 PM
Another imaginary friend who swears that Caias is real here.

I first met Caias shortly after being abducted by aliens for the fourth time. Being pretty much inured to the whole ordeal by now, I spent much of my time getting to know the other abductees. I remember it was during the anal-probing that I first laid eyes on a pudgy young fellow screaming on the metal slab next to mine. In an attempt to distract him from his rectal violation, I asked him his name.

"Caias", he croaked through the tears.

"Kie-us?" I asked? "Spell that."

"C uunng... A ooohhh... I whooah... A eieeeee... S urk!...", he managed to say between the reciprocations of the probe.

"Glad to meet you, Caias. I take it this is your first time?"

"Yes", he sobbed. "Is this going to end soon?"

"There's only about three more minutes of probing, then the full body depilation followed by the semen extraction - you'll like that", I said. "Kinda makes the whole thing worth-while"

"I sure hope so", he whined.

"This is my fourth time here but I'm still a n00b compared to Barney over there. This is his 8th abduction this year alone. To your right is Betty. She's been here three times, I think. John on my left here is on his second time. Martin across the aisle there seems to live here. At least he's been here every time I have and some of the old-timers speak of him from when they were first abducted."

"So I can expect this sort of thing to happen to me alot?", his voice breaking with fear and outrage.

"Yeah, some of us are just lucky that way", I replied.

Coming up next week on When Aliens Abduct will Caias be the lucky one chosen for alien impregnation? And how will he deal with the resulting stretch marks giving birth to a 50lb alien causes? Turn on, Tune in, Drop out and see!
Posted by Charybdis  on  Tue Mar 22, 2005  at  01:45 PM
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