Donations bring relief for family with sick child after theft

7:33 PM, Jul 27, 2012   |    comments
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print
  • - A A A +

During the past 48 hours, the Hembree family has seen some serious lows and some incredible highs.

"It reassures me that there's still a God. Just knowing there's still a plan and there's real caring and sweet people out there," said Jennifer Hembree of Alcoa.

Sometime between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, a thief took the family's electricity generator bolted outside their home.

They took with them their 5-year-old son Lucas' security blanket. He relies on electricity for his oxygen monitor and feeding machine.

Lucas has Sanfillipo Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that keeps him in a wheelchair.

The Hembree's story aired on Channel 10 Thursday night. It took no time before viewers began calling to offer their generators and other items.

Two Knoxville companies donated the Hembrees what they needed and more.

Robert Burnett, owner of Certified Generators, knew he could help.

"We had this one in stock so they're welcome to it," he said.

The Hembrees needed a large household generator that costs around $2,000. Burnett donated and installed one Friday for free.

"It's really going to give us the benefit of the doubt if something happens, especially if we have strong storms like they're predicting tonight and tomorrow," said Hembree.

It comes as a relief because the Hembrees didn't need the extra expense. They have been saving for a new wheelchair lift to take Lucas to therapy.

That's where Phoenix Conversion stepped in.

"The Lord puts us in the right place at the right time and today was the Lord's guidance. It was great to help," said Scott Hayse, owner of Phoenix Conversion.

Hayse had several clients call and ask him to install their chair lifts into the Hembrees' van.

While none of those fit, hey gave them a brand new chair carrier.

"I'm not going to lose it [the wheelchair] half way down the road or when I hit a bump," said Hembree.

Business owners say it was worth it to see the smile on Lucas' face. Because even though he couldn't say 'thank you', he knew how to show it with handshakes and hugs.

The Hembrees work to raise awareness of Lucas' genetic disorder. You can follow him and donate here.