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Child's Medical Van Taken By Thieves

CERES, Calif. (CBS13) -- A family's struggle to care for a child with severe disabilities just became unimaginably more difficult after someone stole their modified medical van.

Claudia Burgos said her green 1999 Ford Econ Van -- equipped with a hydraulic lift, bed and ventilator -- was stolen from outside her family's Ceres home.

The equipment was necessary to transport her son, Ivan Burgos, to critical medical appointments at hospitals outside of town twice a month. Ivan was born with medical conditions that have worsened over the years, and he has already started missing doctor's appointments due to the theft.

"He's pretty fragile," Claudia said. "Six years ago he had major surgery."

Neighbors lashed out at the suspect or suspects who took the key piece that makes caring for Ivan possible.

"You can see a handicap van [with] the ramp," said neighbor Doug Mize. "That's as low as you can get."

California Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Chris Perry said even law enforcement investigators were surprised by the cruelty of the crime.

"That in itself is disturbing, to know of all the vehicles to steal, somebody is going to steal a handicap vehicle or something for a special needs person," Perry said.

Claudia said the only insurance she could afford for the van doesn't cover its replacement in case of theft. If the van isn't returned, it would cost around $30,000 to replace.

An account has been set up at a San Joaquin County bank for donations for a replacement vehicle. You can find more information on the account here.

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