Wheelchair Donated to Lacey Ray After Her Chair was Stolen
This weekend we've been reporting on a story, which highlighted the worst and now the best side of people. A young woman, confined to a wheelchair was out camping with her family when her wheelchair was stolen. It left her with no way to get around, but that's not the case any longer.
This really is a heartwarming story showcasing the generosity of people in Acadiana. After our six o'clock report aired Saturday, dozens called our newsroom asking how they could help out. Sunday, twenty-year-old Lacey Ray now has a new wheelchair thanks to a Crowley family who wishes to remain anonymous.
"We hugged and hugged again. I'm usually a tear-jerky person, but the tears aren't running. I guess its just the adrenalin pumping," said Christine Ray, Lacey's mother.
Nearly twenty-four hours after Lacey Ray's custom wheelchair was stolen she has a new one thanks to a family who has a son with similar medical needs.
"It was just a coincidence. They said they didn't know why they didn't give this chair away now they know why they kept it."
The chair almost fits perfectly to Lacey's body and it will make it a lot easier for her to get around like usual. Lacey's mom says her daughter's face lit up when she tried out her new wheels.
"She was very excited, talking and talking and mumbling words. She hasn't been in her chair since Friday."
This chair is a temporary fix for Lacey. It takes up to six months to custom build a chair similar to the one that was stolen.
Lacey's family is still hoping whoever took it will have a change of heart."Please return this chair. It is not a joyride wheelchair or a joy toy. This is her mobility to get her everywhere."
As of Sunday night police are still investigating and have no leads.
The Ray family is planning on opening a bank account for donations to help purchase Lacey a new custom wheelchair.
Chris Welty
cwelty@katctv.com
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