Custom-Made Wheelchair Stolen From Santa Ana Girl Born Without Legs
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — A Santa Ana family is hoping for a Thanksgiving miracle for their daughter with the same name.
Someone stole Milagros' custom-made wheelchair over the weekend. Born without legs, the four-year-old mainly relies on the wheelchair to get around. For now, she uses a skateboard to paddle her way around.
The family said the wheelchair was parked behind a gate on the side of their home around 10 p.m. Saturday. By 8 a.m. Sunday, it was gone.
The girl's mom told CBS2/KCAL9's Michele Gile she is angry and has no money to replace it. Milagros needs it to get to school.
Santa Ana police officer Jose Mendoza said the wheelchair does so much more than helps the girl get around: "She uses that for her arms to get arm strength. The wheelchair was specially designed for her. It helps her with her posture."
The Santa Ana Police Department has started a fund to help Milagros. Officers also surprised her Wednesday with something she has been asking for — a Christmas tree.
The girl also got a tricycle. But what she really needs is to get her special wheelchair back.
If you wish to help the family, send checks made payable to S.A.P.O.A. Widows & Orphans Fund with memo "S.A. Resident Rosa Perez" and mail to: S.A.P.O.A. 1607 N. Sycamore, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
