Heartfelt Appeal for Return of Stolen ‘Lifeline’ Van Belonging to Terminally Ill Teen

In a distressing turn of events, the family of 13-year-old Elijah Cariazo, who is grappling with a terminal muscular condition, is making an urgent appeal for the return of their specially modified van, essential for Elijah’s mobility and medical needs. The van, a converted grey Ford Transit Custom, was stolen right from outside their Hackney home in East London, leaving the family in a dire situation, reported “Yahoo“.

Elijah, who suffers from myotubular myopathy, a condition that severely restricts his ability to breathe and swallow, relies on this van not only for routine hospital visits but also to carry the vital medical equipment he needs daily. The theft of the van, described by Elijah’s mother, Onessa, as her son’s “lifeline,” has come at a particularly cruel time as the family had plans to celebrate Elijah’s 14th birthday in the countryside, an experience they hoped would bring joy to his final days.

The Metropolitan Police are prioritizing the case, recognizing the critical role the van plays in Elijah’s life and the limited time he has. The vehicle, which took nine months to customize fully for Elijah’s specific needs, was taken in the early hours of Tuesday. Surveillance footage captured two individuals, described as white men around 5ft 10in tall with slim builds, breaking into the van and driving away, leaving the family without their indispensable vehicle.

The family and the police are calling on the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of the distinctive van, which is missing a hubcap on the rear right side and bears a unique sticker for the wheelchair ramp on the back doors.

Sergeant Adam Hunter of the Haggerston Safer Neighbourhood team emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The Met takes every theft seriously, but this case is of particular concern to us due to the type of vehicle and the time-sensitive nature of the investigation.” He added that the community’s assistance in spotting the van could be crucial in its recovery.

This heartbreaking incident underscores the challenges faced by families of terminally ill individuals, highlighting the importance of community support and awareness in times of need. The family and the police urge anyone with information to come forward to help restore a semblance of normalcy to Elijah’s remaining days.