Theft Victim Gets New Wheelchair

TRENTON, N.J. - May 29, 2007 - It's always a big day when anyone gets a new set of wheels, but nothing compared to what this day was like for a young man in Trenton.

"People do care. It's not a harsh life," said Rafael Garcia.

The donated motorized wheelchair that will give back mobility to Rafael arrived at the Mercer Junior-Senior High School in Hamilton Township Tuesday afternoon.

It was donated by a family in Chalfonte, Bucks County after seeing our story last week about thieves stealing Rafael's electric wheelchair from in front of his Trenton home.

"It was very sad to think someone would steal somebody's wheelchair. Very heart-wrenching. I thought I could help him out with the chair that we have," said Jennifer Seidman, who donated the wheelchair.

Rafael, who suffers from cerebral palsy, tried out the new chair and was happy to be back in the driver's seat again. He just needs to get the new chair charged.

Since his old wheelchair was stolen, he has had to rely on people pushing him everywhere because he doesn't have the upper body strength to propel himself.

"He wants to be independent. He deserves to be independent and the power chair will bring him back his independence," said teacher Leslie Brady.

School officials say at least a dozen people offered to donate a motorized wheelchair to Rafael.

"We had a huge outpouring from the community of people wanting to help. Then we had to sort through every one trying to help and figure out who really had the equipment that would fit Rafael," said physical therapist Greg O'Brien.

"Whoever took it, what they did made me so sad. To know there are some nice people out there who can help us with Rafael, I'm really thrilled," said principal Jean Radimer.

And so is the young man who very much wants the mobility the electric wheelchair gives him.

Police are still looking for whoever stole his wheelchair.

(Copyright 2007 by Action News and 6abc. All Rights Reserved.)