The family of a little girl, whose custom-built wheelchair was stolen from outside her Californian home last Tuesday night, have had their fate in humanity restored upon learning that their daughter's wheelchair has finally been returned.
According to reports from the States, four-year-old Milagros, who was born without legs, kept a brave face in light of the recent theft and insisted her mother show courage in the face of adversity, saying: "It's OK, Mommy. Don't cry anymore."
Despite Milagro's unwavering strength, the Perez family struggled to deal with the implication of the theft and were acutely aware that replacing the wheelchair would cost in excess of $8,000.
Acknowledging the family's plight in the run up to Christmas, an organisation gifted the family $10,000 in order to provide Milagros, who has endured six surgeries in her short life, with a replacement wheelchair.
However, upon learning the wheelchair had been returned to its rightful owner, the organisation insisted the family keep the funds and suggested it could be put to use in any way they feel would help their four-year-old daughter.
In addition to the incredibly generous monetary donation,, the Santa Ana community rallied together in order to show the family they were valued members of the community, wholly undeserving of such a cruel crime.
Having been gifted with a Christmas tree, Thanksgiving dinner and a collection of toys in addition to the substantial sum of money, the Perez family, whose home is too small to house the wheelchair inside, were quick to suggest they would return the cheque after learning that their daughter's wheelchair had been returned.
The organisation chose not to accept the family's offer - a gesture which has made headlines around the world this week.
Milagro's mother reflected on her daughter's strength during the past week, saying: "She's the strong one. She's the one who gives me the strength to keep going."
We're so happy to hear of such a happy ending!
