A playset belonging to seven-year-old Sloane Klein was stolen from her front yard in Pocatello, Idaho, a few weeks ago, according to her mother, Erica Klein. The little girl was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair part time along with arm crutches, and had used the slide since she was two years old as a consistent outdoor activity space. Erica says the playset was there in the morning, but later that day it was gone.
After learning about the theft, a family friend created a crowdfund to raise money for a more adaptive playset with a larger slide and swing, as well as a wagon to help Erica take Sloane on walks. Within days, more than 30 donors had helped raise over $24-hundred, blowing past the original $1-thousand goal. Organizers say any additional funds will be donated to a spina bifida charity or to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where Sloane has received treatment.
Erica says she was emotional when she learned about the fundraiser and had not asked for help. She describes her daughter as resilient and says she continues to thrive despite multiple surgeries and mobility challenges. What began as a theft has led to an outpouring of community support to help replace the playset and provide new opportunities for Sloane to play outside.
Source: EAST IDAHO NEWS
Photo: welcomia / iStock / Getty Images