Stroller stolen from disabled Bend girl

Anabelle is a 4-year-old Bend girl who has a disease that slowly erodes her brain. She cannot walk, and this week, someone stole the stroller she uses to get around.

The crime occurred on Sunday night, but Anabelle’s mom, Alex Wilson, didn’t notice until the next day.

“I came out Monday morning to take her to a doctor’s appointment,” Wilson said.

Her stroller was nowhere to be found. Wilson says she did not want to believe the worst until she discovered her car’s trunk was forced open.

“We have a handicap placard in her car,” Wilson said Tuesday.

Anabelle’s disease is called Metachromatic Leukodystrophy. The signs started to show at 18 months old.

She was talking and walking, but everything started to slow down.

Now 4 years old, Anabelle cannot talk or walk, and a stolen piece of equipment is so much more than an object.

“It’s her legs, so to speak. It’s her mobility. It’s her wheelchair, basically,” Wilson said.

The little girl’s disease is terminal, but that has not affected anyone’s morale.

The Glow Run, which had 800 participants last year, was created two years ago to raise awareness about her disease.

“So a lot of people really know Anabelle,” Wilson said.

Her mom knows the true strength of the Central Oregon community, which is why she’s discouraged by the theft.

“It’s just like, why? I just don’t understand. I just want the thief to understand it’s not victimless,” Wilson said.

If you’ve seen the stroller or have any info, please call Bend police at 541-693-6911.

You can also donate at http://www.gofundme.com/anabellewilson or keep updated about her condition at facebook.com/anabellesangels1210