Family makes plea for stolen wheelchair

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA - April 13, 2010 Mark Ewing needs help breathing, can't speak and can barely walk.

The 9-year-old suffers from Moebius Syndrome which is a cranial nerve impairment.

His wheelchair was stolen a couple of weeks ago. He's now using his old one which he's outgrown and now it's a daily struggle to get him around.

"We use it every single day, every single day," said his mother Pamela Ewing.

The wheelchair was taken March 29th. Mark had pneumonia and had to be rushed to the hospital. The family sped off and accidentally left the chair behind here on the 3300 block of Bleigh Avenue.

"I just can't imagine what use they would have had for it or why they would be so inclined to pull over and see that and pick it up and take it. It just seems immoral to me."

The Ewing's say the cost of new chair is about $3,000 and their insurance company has denied their claim.

"Right now we probably couldn't afford another chair at this time," said Jim, Mark's father.

Even when they do muster up the money needed, the Ewing's say it'll be months before they get a new chair because Mark must be fitted.

So they're hoping whoever took it will do the right thing.

"We would appreciate it if you would return Mark's chair it would really help us out," appealed Jim.

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