Special Wheelchair Stolen From Yakima Home

YAKIMA, Wash.-- It's no secret that thieves will strike if given the opportunity. This week, a Yakima family says their home became a target. But the only thing taken, was the one item that hurt the most, a little girl's wheelchair.

Alia,6, is like most other kids her age. She's always smiling, loves to hang out, and even adores going to school. But, Alia is a little different. She was born with some severe disabilities.

"She doesn't talk or walk," said Nicole Patina, Alia's mom.

Alia was born with something called Congenital CMV, an infection that caused a birth defect in her brain which then caused Cerebral Palsy.

Alia's mom says the disability doesn't stop her daughter from living life though.

But now, Alia can't even get to school because a thief stole her custom made wheelchair.

"At first I was really frustrated and then kind of got a little sad towards the evening because school is her favorite thing," Nicole said.

She says they left the wheelchair on the porch of their home Tuesday night after bringing Alia inside for bed. The next morning, it was gone.

"I don't see how people could be so heartless to just take something like that know that obviously we have it for a reason," said Nicole.

The family got the $6,000 custom wheelchair this past September through the state.

They don't have the money to buy a new one, so until they can find a loaner, Alia's stuck at home missing school and her physical therapy.

"I don't understand why they would take it from my daughter, you know? She needs it,"Nicole said.

A police report has been filed with Yakima police.

They say if anyone sees or knows where the wheelchair might be to contact them immediately.

"I don't see how they could just come up on the porch and take that. They could have took anything, why that," Nicole said.