Discovery Bay: Custom Wheelchair Stolen from Young Mom

A Discovery Bay mother was leaving for a doctor’s appointment last Monday when she realized she had been the victim of a vehicle burglary.

Taylor Acamo, 24, says her specialized wheelchair, her daughter’s car seat and stroller were all stolen along with various other items. Acamo, who has Cerebral Palsy, was recovering from her 36^th surgery at the time of the theft.

Acamo says she has been in a wheelchair her entire life, but received the $5,000 custom wheelchair nearly two years ago. What makes it custom is its really light, about 5-lbs, allowing her to pick it up, fold it, and push it much easier than a traditional wheel chair.

“It’s customized to make my life easier,” says Acamo. “It’s a six-month process to get it replaced because of all the approvals and medical insurance processes.”

Acamo says she lives near Point of Timber Elementary School hopes someone will see the wheelchair and simply return it.

“I don’t know why someone would steal a wheelchair, that is heartless,” said Acamo. “Most people know my condition and with my surgeries, they know how much I need the wheelchair because it’s the only way to get around.”

Acamo says she is currently using a donated wheelchair provided by the Hoffman Family Foundation but admits its heavier and bigger which she can’t push by herself, lift it into her car or fold it saying it’s too heavy. She is appreciative, but says with her condition a heavier wheelchair makes her less independent.

“My ultimate hope is that someone will feel bad for what they did and just drop it off at the police station or bring it back and leave it on my porch,” says Acamo. “That is what I ultimately want. Just return it and let me get back to my life and be a mom able to get around with my daughter.”

If anyone has any information contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

GoFundMe Launched:
If you would like to donate towards a new wheelchair, you can click here.