A Margate man is attempting to raise money for a new wheelchair after his was stolen last week.
Mitchell Braithwaite, 26, said he was throwing out the trash on Nov. 17 when he realized his wheelchair was gone.
On a GoFundMe page, Braithwaite says:
... Someone STOLE my wheelchair while I went to take out the garbage!! I put my garbage on top of my truck hood and left my chair in my handicap spot to go drop the garbage at the compactor. Not 3 mins gone and they took My wheelchair. My only means of transportation. The only way I can get to and from the bathroom kitchen and car without dragging myself across the floor. Its the worst feeling I’ve felt since my accident because I’ve come so far and just like that In one fell swoop someone can take it away from me. My confidence plummeted and insecurities skyrocketed in the matter of 2 minutes of realizing I’m stuck where I Am now until I get some real help.
... I feel helpless confined to the bed. I’m already paralyzed, the last thing I need is to be immobile. So please help with anything possible. Even if it’s just a share it is greatly appreciated!
Braithwaite was left paralyzed from the waist down after being shot at the age of 17. He lives on his own and has been using a basketball wheelchair the last several days that he used while playing with the Miami Heat's wheelchair basketball program.
"This chair is not intended to be used for what I'm doing every day," he said. "It doesn't have any brakes. It doesn't [have] the support that I need."
So far, Braithwaite's campaign has raised $1,600+ of its $5,000 goal.
Click here if you would like help Braithwaite raise money for a new wheelchair.