Thief Steals Scooter Belonging To Dixon Woman With Cerebral Palsy
DIXON (CBS13) - She relies on her scooter to do everything, and it was taken from her garage just a couple days before Christmas.
Phyllis Meek woke up Tuesday morning, and went about her normal routine. When she got to the garage she noticed the scooter she uses every day was gone.
Phyllis can get by with her crutches, but not easily.
"I constantly have to watch every step, watch for things on the floor," said Phyllis.
She was born with cerebral palsy and has a hard time doing most things.
"I've gotten a lot slower," she said.
After her uncle passed away, Phyllis' cousin passed along an electronic scooter that changed her life.
"It was the first time in my whole life I had a little feeling of what it's like to ride a bike. I had wind in my hair," she said.
She would ride the scooter up and down her neighborhood. It was a way to interact with everyone on the block. But the scooter was also a way to get things done.
"…doctor's appointments, chiropractor, even getting groceries sometimes," said Phyllis.
She says it was the first time in her life she felt independent. Her husband noticed a difference as well.
"…to interact with the grandkids in a way she was never able before," said her husband Darryl.
But this freedom was taken away from Phyllis on Tuesday. Her daughter left early for work and her husband forgot to close the garage door. That's when her beloved scooter was taken.
"I cried for half the day thinking who would do something like that?" she said.
Her scooter was very bright, candy-apple red, had rear-view mirrors, a head light, a tail light and chrome wheels.
The scooter cost more than $3,000. Her medical insurance does not cover the theft and the Meeks don't have the money to buy a new one.
"It makes me feel devalued," said Phyllis.
The Meeks are hoping whoever took the scooter will return it, no questions asked.
If you'd like to help the Meeks buy a new scooter, you can do so by sending checks to 825 Mayfair Drive, Dixon.
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