CORVALLIS, Ore. - The mother of an 8-year-old girl fighting cancer says her family has been betrayed by a friend.

Corvallis police believe that friend has stolen thousands of dollars from Cricket Beebe and her mom, Jennifer Kearney - money that was intended for living and medical expenses.

"I was hurt and betrayed," says Kearney. "I had known her for a long time."

Kearney says her friend Christina Simpson set up a fund at OSU Federal Credit Union for Cricket.

Kearney has quit her job as a bartender to care for her daughter, who has had four surgeries and chemotherapy for an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Kearney says she had enough money to last until July, then needed some of the money in the account set up by Simpson.

"She was avoiding me," Kearney says. "And I was like, I really need some money to pay my rent and some bills. And she wouldn't call me back."

Corvallis police arrested 39-year-old Christina Simpson of Corvallis on Oct. 2, releasing her back into the community after spending a few minutes in jail.

"She was using money from that account for personal benefit," says Corvallis Police Lt. Dave Henslee. "It was not going toward the intended purpose of the account."

Simpson has been charged with misdemeanor Criminal Mistreatment and felony Theft 1 by Deception.

No one responded at her occupied home when a KATU reporter knocked at her door.

Kearney says she has received $1,100 from Simpson, but about $5,000 was raised.

Bank records show several deposits, but dozens of withdrawals.

Kearney says Simpson would deposit contributions, then take cash back or come back later for more money.

Kearney says that she and her daughter are trying to look beyond the theft, and concentrate on beating cancer.

"I have done what I can do about it right now," says Kearney. "What am I going to do about it? Because the betrayal was really difficult to deal with initially."

Kearney says Simpson is no longer affiliated with the fund for Cricket Beebe at OSU Federal Credit Union, which continues to accept donations for growing expenses.