A DeKalb County family says the van they rely on to transport their disabled daughter was stolen out of their carport while they watched TV inside.
That specially-outfitted van is the difference between independence and being stuck inside her home for 24-year-old Alicia Day.
Day just started her first-ever paying job last week as a greeter at Home Depot. She's proud that despite the fact that she has cerebral palsy, she's out in the world developing some independence.
"I want to have independence…That [van] was the main part of it," said Day.
The van was stolen Sunday night from the Day family's home while they were inside watching TV.
"They were coming out the door, going to the trash can there and it was all empty," Hanne Day.
"That just tears me apart. Still trying to figure out why would somebody do that," said Day.
Without the van, Alicia can still get back and forth to work on MARTA, but most everything else becomes very difficult.
"That's like taking away my wheelchair," said Alicia.
A replacement van would cost as much as $40,000 to $50,000. With both of Alicia's parents now on a fixed income, that's overwhelming.
The family had also planned on a beach vacation next week. That isn't possible now.
"The van is my life I need that van to get around, to go places," said Day.
DeKalb police are investigating the theft. The Day family is hoping someone with information about the van will step forward.
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A van used to transport Alicia Day was stolen outside of the family's home.
