‘We should feel safe’: Kentucky family seeks help after wheelchair ramp stolen from home
By Joyce Ogirri
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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — A Louisville family is asking for help after someone stole a wheelchair ramp from outside their home, making it more difficult for their 17-year-old daughter to get in and out of the house.
The family is asking for the community’s help as they work to replace the stolen ramp.
Brittney Harbin says she discovered the ramp was missing Friday morning, Nov. 6, when she went outside to help her daughter, Cerenity Harbin, get to her school bus.
“It was just shocking to kind of know that it was missing,” Brittney said.
The ramp allowed Cerenity, who uses a wheelchair, to safely access their home. Without it, Brittney says she now has to navigate the steps with her daughter’s wheelchair.
“My mom has to pick up my wheelchair a bit and put it over the stairs. But with the ramp, we could have just rolled up,” Cerenity said.
Brittney says this is not the first time her family has experienced a theft. Last summer, someone broke into their garage and stole several belongings, including electric bikes, exercise equipment and sentimental items that belonged to her late husband.
Her husband died from stomach cancer last year. Brittney says the repeated incidents have left her and her children feeling vulnerable, especially as they continue to grieve their loss.
The family is now looking into a more permanent wheelchair ramp, especially with Cerenity preparing for spine surgery.
The family has also started a GoFundMe to help pay for a replacement.
Despite the challenges, Cerenity is focused on her senior year of high school. She enjoys creating art and animations on her phone and hopes to pursue that interest in college.
For now, her family says its biggest priority is restoring a sense of security and making sure Cerenity can safely get in and out of their home.
“We’ve been put in a vulnerable situation, and I feel like we should feel safe in our home,” Brittney said.
Police are asking anyone with video or information about the theft to call the anonymous tip line at (502) 574-LMPD.
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