An Elizabeth family is asking for the public's help in finding a medical stroller/chair stolen this morning.
Around 8:30 am. this morning, Andrew's the mother - Keeley Pacheco - began her daily routine of getting his medical stroller out for school from her van and leave it on the driveway while she goes into the home to get Andrew. Typically the bus arrives in those few minutes and they pull the chair down so he can be strapped in and loaded onto the lift.
However, when Andrew's mom came out, the bus was there but no stroller. The family immediately searched the area but it was no where to be found. As if the loss of the stroller/chair was not enough, Andrew's mother later noticed that his AFOs - (Ankle-foot orthosis) a brace, usually made of plastic, that is worn on the lower leg and foot to support the ankle, hold the foot and ankle in the correct position and correct foot drop - were in the basket underneath the chair. AFO's are made from a custom mold of Andrew's leg and foot and are very important part of his gait training, the family added.
Andrew is a 5-years-old boy who is one of a few cases in New Jersey with CdLS (Cornelia de Lange Syndrome) which is extremely rare condition. He's only the size of a 1-year-old right now weighing 24 pounds 30 inches tall. For the last two years, the stroller has been a lifeline for Andrew, added a family member. Andrew's skeletal structure is that of an infant, so even though he can fit in a baby stroller, the chair supports his entire body properly. He uses it to sit in at school and to get back and forth to school.
Andrew is bused to First Children's in Fanwood because there are no local schools that can accommodate his needs, educationally or therapeutically. The family has tried contacting his school and special equipment clinics for a loaner but have had no luck.
"That chair looks more like a stroller than a wheelchair, which ironically was something my daughter liked about it, people stare enough, that was one less thing to draw attention to him. The chair is transport approved, much like traditional wheelchairs it goes up a lift and locks into place onto the bus floor. We are asking whoever took it to just please return the chair, no questions asked."
The chair is a Convaid Cruiser red and black in color. In order to obtain a replacement it will cost the family $2500. The probability that the insurance covers a new stroller for Andrew is slim to none and unfortunately even if approved would take months to obtain. Making it difficult to transport Andrew anywhere including school.
Anyone with information on the stroller please contact Elizabeth Police Department at (908) 558-2000.
We were informed Elmora Pharmacy and Convaid - the stroller manufacturers - have offered to donate a new stroller to the family while the pharmacy will be covering all the shipping and transportation costs.
We hope to update story once the stroller arrives.