BOSTON — After a Brighton family made a desperate plea about their little girl's stolen wheelchair, the community stepped up big time.
Boston 25 News first introduced you to the Rodriguez family Sunday when their 6-year-old's wheelchair disappeared from their driveway.
“When something like this happens, it's like, ‘how can somebody be so cruel?’ But then, you kind of see the good in the world as well,” her mother, Gabriel Rodriguez, said.
What a difference a day makes for people who turned frustrating loss into hope as Boston police made a special delivery Monday that will help the family get by for now.
“This will definitely work. We appreciate whoever dropped it off,” Marina Rodriguez, Maliyah's grandmother, told Boston 25 News. “We so appreciate it. It's perfect.”
They made an emotional plea after someone stole Maliyah's wheelchair. The 6-year-old girl with special needs depends on her customized wheelchair.
Maliyah suffered brain damage during a traumatic birth and isn't able to walk on her own.
“Someone had dropped off a chair anonymously for her,” Gabriella said.
Boston 25 News was there as Boston police made the special delivery.
“It’s perfect for her for now,” Gabriella said. “She can get on the bus. She can get on the plane for when she goes on vacation next week."
They will use it for the time being until a permanent replacement can be made.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. It's more than I could have ever asked for,” Gabriella said.
The family says BPD also heard from a local business that wants to supply a brand new one -- custom fit for Maliyah.
We will continue to follow these positive developments as well as the status of the investigation.
MORE: Family makes emotional plea after daughter's wheelchair disappears