A young boy is headed for a Thanksgiving vacation without some critical baggage, thanks to some desperate, but not too smart crooks.
Levi Davenport, who is 3, has Cystic Fibrosis. He depends on a vest and daily breathing treatments to survive, but the rolling suitcase that contains the life-saving equipment, clearly marked with “The Vest” in white printing, was stolen from the family’s front lawn, on Spruce Street between 13th and 14th Streets in Newhall.
“It’s a rolling bag and looks like a regular suitcase,” said Brendie Bendera-Heter, who is helping the family, who is already airborne enroute to their Thanksgiving destination. “Whoever stole it is sure to open it and realize they can’t use what they have and will probably toss it somewhere.”
To that end, Levi’s grandparents have alerted the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff’s station, where deputies have been alerted to keep an eye out for the black rolling bag.
Bendera-Heter said that a medical equipment company is overnighting a backup vest for Levi, but it’s a very expensive venture. The vest and accompanying pumps and monitor (see pictures) cost more than $16,000.
“He has to have these treatments every day,” Bendera-Heter said. “If someone finds the suitcase, they can just call the Sheriff’s Department and they’ll get it back to the family.”
Anyone with information as to the suitcases whereabouts can also call Bendera-Heter at 645-3426 or the SCV Sheriff’s station at 255-1121.