A Valley mother of five after thieves stole a truck full of supplies to help her daughter with autism parked outside her apartment building near 83rd Street and McDowell Road. It took a big hit.
Linsey Maldonado is the mother of two boys and three girls under the age of six.
“Three go to school. Two go to daycare,” Maldonado said.
An average day starts around 5am and ends at 5pm.
“It’s a struggle, definitely a struggle,” added Maldonado.
What Maldonado considers her greatest blessing is her 3-year-old daughter, who lives with autism.
The truck Maldonado had until Friday was a lifeline for the family.
“We drive about 200 miles to school each day by truck. Her school alone is only 15 minutes each way,” added Maldonado.
Two weeks ago, after months of waiting, Phoenix firefighters installed a special child seat for Aliya.
“I wasn’t just waiting. I was saving money for it. I make minimum wage. [Saving] A few extra cents or that extra loose change was spent on her car seat every time you went grocery shopping,” Maldonado added.
Inside the black 2005 Chevy Tahoe there were a few sensory items and items that made Aalyia’s ride more comfortable.
“It calms her down. It helps her. Just like us, we can play with regular toys and things like that. I’m not interested at all,” added Maldonado.
On Friday, Maldonado looked out the front door and saw someone stealing her tahoe.
“Oh my god, that’s my car,” added Maldonado.
Maldonado said officers have been informed and now hopes the public will be on the lookout as well.
“We go from point A to point B. It keeps my autistic daughter safe,” added Maldonado.
Maldonado has set up an online fundraiser to help with the costs of finding a new car.
