Community Outpouring Overshadows Wheelchair Theft

[Refugee 7]

BREVARD COUNTY, Florida. (WOFL FOX 35, Orlando) -- In just one week, a Brevard County family has seen the worst of human nature, and the best.

While in Jacksonville last week for a soccer tournament, someone was bold enough to steal 11-year-old Michael Thorne's wheelchair out of the family's pick-up truck.

Michael is confined to the wheelchair or a bed because he has cerebral palsy and scoliosis.

"I couldn't believe anyone could do something like that,” Michael's mother, Thea, said.

And neither could Michael's father, Van.

"They not only took away from me,” he said. “They took away from my son, and that's terrible. He's handicapped, and he would never hurt anyone. So why would anyone take something away from him?"

It turns out that many of the Thornes' neighbors and even strangers, who have heard their story, feel exactly the same way. Tuesday night, Fox 35 was the only station there when the Brevard County Firefighters showed up with a donated wheelchair.

Not far behind, two neighbors revealed their own organized monetary collections.

So far, the Thorne's already have more than $700 in donations, and it looks like more could be on the way.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone," says Thea Thorne. "We appreciate it, and so does Michael."

The Thornes do not know yet if the donated wheelchair will fit Michael. A doctor will make that decision. Michael is still growing, and is constantly in need of new equipment.

Bottom line for the Thornes, they tell us maneuvering the bureaucratic red tape of the system is tough enough without something like this.

[KansasPettyFan 1]

There is a special place in hell for someone who would do that.

It's so nice to know there are kind people who rally around those in need.

[nurktwin 2,143]

there is a small percentage of people that do this kind of stuff, and get all the headlines. what about the 95% that do good and are never heard of? the media sucks and should be banned!!!!!

[conmae 0]

This is sick. With the cost of medical equipment, though, I can see why all someone saw was a $ sign when they saw the wheelchair. Griffin's wheelchair/stroller (not even a heavy duty chair) cost almost $5000. I would hope the familiy's homeowner's or vehicle insurance would cover the cost of a new chair (just a thought but in reality probably not an option).

[Refugee 7]

There is a special place in hell for someone who would do that.

It's so nice to know there are kind people who rally around those in need.

Ditto.

[Echosoftom 3]

Dirty rotten bastards!!! :mad:

Hats off to the good people of that community.

[agirl 0]

Ditto, Teresa! How could anyone do something like that and sleep at night?

[WildflowerNJ 136]

What a good and kind thing the neighbors and people of that town did...my hats off to them, too.