Donations roll in for
handicapped teenagerA Kaimuki girl can afford a
new ramp to replace her stolen one
A family of a handicapped Kaimuki teenager has received donations to replace her wheelchair ramp, which was stolen from her home earlier this month.
"I think we've gotten more than we could ever ask for," said Cheryl Jahier, the mother of 15-year-old Renisha, who suffers from Leigh's disease, a degenerative illness which has left her legally blind, dependent on a motorized wheelchair and mildly retarded. "It's just so overwhelming, I'm just so grateful."
On Nov. 3 a thief walked onto the front lawn of the Jahiers' Kaimuki Avenue home and stole the portable steel ramp, which was used to get Renisha out of the family van. After the story hit local media Wednesday, Jahier said a local radio talk show host called her home yesterday morning for a live interview.
She agreed to do the interview and said she was shocked at how quickly people responded.
"I talked for a little bit, and four people called in and wanted to donate about $100 each," she said.
Add that to KHVH talk show host Rick Hamada's pledged $100, and the family had enough to buy a replacement for the 6-foot, collapsible steel ramp, which they originally bought for a little more than $450.
Although Jahier said she would accept the check, she was going to hold off on using it because Honolulu police said they have several good leads that could lead to recovering their original ramp. Police ask that anyone with information about the theft call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.
Police also ask that whoever took the ramp consider that the Jahiers are willing to accept the ramp back, no questions asked.
"Give it back," said CrimeStoppers Detective Letha DeCaires. "Make yourself feel better."
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
