After Age 6 Daughter's Wheelchair Stolen, Strangers Blow Mom Away with Donations

When someone takes what doesn’t belong to them, they fail to consider the negative impact it will have on their victim.

But things get taken from people all the time. From stolen bikes to snatched purses, it seems we hear sad stories of people being victimized by thieves every day.

Stealing is stealing, whether it’s a few dollars or, in 6-year-old Maliyah Roberts’ case, a customized wheelchair.

Maliyah has cerebral palsy and can’t get around on her own without assistance. Thankfully, the little girl had a wheelchair made just for her.

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The wheelchair made the challenges of everyday life a little less daunting for Maliyah and her family.

When it was taken from their home, Maliyah’s mother, Gabriella Rodriguez, was distraught. “I panicked, really,” Rodriguez said.

While insurance could cover the cost of a new wheelchair, custom-made wheelchairs like the one Maliyah had can take months to build.

The 6-year-old needed a new wheelchair fast. “It just disrupts her entire daily life,” her father, Keith Roberts, shared. “She can’t go to school … if she doesn’t have that.”

Thankfully, when people in the community heard Maliyah’s story, they responded with an outpouring of love and support.

That love and support included three donated wheelchairs within 24 hours! One of the donated chairs happened to be a perfect substitute until a new one could be made.

“Thank you to everyone for your love and support especially the donated wheel chairs!!!” Keith wrote on Facebook. “Not only will she be able to get to camp but she can now go on her first flight to Florida next week!”

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Rodriquez shared her gratitude on Facebook as well. “From the top of our heads to the tips of our toes we are forever grateful for the overwhelming support and the help that has been offered,” she wrote.

What’s more, on July 26 Keith shared that his daughter was fitted for her new wheelchair. “Maliyah chose (a) pink and silver frame and pink wheels! Big Thank you to National Seating and Mobility for helping us out!!!” Keith said.

We are so glad this little girl was surrounded by her loving community during this time of need. No doubt she’ll be the coolest kid at school in her pink and silver wheelchair come fall.

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