Family was heartbroken after their son with cerebral palsy lost his mobility bike for the third time — until police witnessed a ‘Christmas miracle’
In the holiday season that celebrates miracles, a Maple Ridge family experienced one of their own. A 9-year-old boy, Jaxton, was devastated after his specialized electric mobility bike got stolen. Jaxton, who is suffering from cerebral palsy, Mowat Wilson Syndrome, and epilepsy, according to Global News, depended on the bike for his daily routine. Her mother, Erica Forrest, told the outlet that the vehicle is a custom-made tricycle for her son and is a primary mode of mobility for him. The family hit a roadblock when the same bike was stolen from outside a store, restricting Jaxton's movement and daily routine. Forrest shared that the electric mobility bike is an important equipment that allows their child to move around and also maintains a sense of independence for the young owner, according to the Ridge Meadows Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
But on December 19, the bike was stolen from outside a store located in the 11800 block of 224 Street, when his family stopped for some time at the establishment. When the family returned, the bike was gone, and this sudden disappearance left the family distressed. The bike was not ordinary, but something on which the daily life of their child depended. They immediately reported the incident to the police, who then issued an appeal to the public for assistance. And just like some miracle, Jaxton got his bike back.
The RCMP shared the information with the residents, asking them to come forward with any leads. A few days later, the bike was anonymously returned to the RCMP department. The police, however, were unable to confirm who returned it, but the moment meant a great deal to the child, who could now reunite with his mobility aid before the holidays. Staff Sgt. Kuldeep Dhillon expressed gratitude and said, "Thank you to the public and our community partners for their assistance in this matter." "The owner was very appreciative of everyone’s efforts, especially being new to the community, and helping make the holidays a little brighter for their family," Dhillon added. An investigation is underway to gather information about the theft.
Forrest, talking to the outlet, expressed relief and said, "It’s perfect for our family, for what we need… and I put a car seat on the back of it." She also said that this was not the first time the vehicle had been stolen. Sharing the previous incidents, she said that they got the bike a year ago from a Facebook marketplace, and since then, it has been stolen three times.
Ridge Meadows RCMP put a public appeal notice for help, and almost four days later, Forrest got the call saying the bike had been found. Forrest added, "I got the call from a police constable saying it was dropped off at the Maple Ridge police department." The family, however, is unsure of who dropped it off. The battery, according to Forrest, has been taken out, and there are a few more damages to the bike. Jaxton and his mother are relieved that they got the bike back, and thanked all those who helped. She said, "Driving around and sharing the post and just the awareness to bring this little boy back to his wheels, thank you so much, we’re just really, really excited."
The boy's mother shared that they will get the bike repaired and running again, which will cost them $400. To cover the expenses, they have started a fundraiser on GoFundMe.