When Brittney Harbin stepped outside her Louisville home on the morning of Friday, Nov. 6, she discovered that the wheelchair ramp that had let her daughter, Cerenity, roll into the house was missing. The theft left the family scrambling to find a way to get the wheelchair over the front steps.
Impact on the family
The ramp was a daily lifeline for Cerenity, a 17‑year‑old high‑school senior who uses a wheelchair. Without it, Brittney must now lift the wheelchair onto the stairs each time Cerenity returns from school or other activities. “It was just shocking to kind of know that it was missing,” Brittney said, describing the sense of vulnerability the crime has added to an already difficult year.
Cerenity, who is preparing for upcoming spine surgery, said the loss makes it harder to focus on her senior year. She enjoys creating art and animations on her phone and hopes to study that field in college, but the immediate concern is simply getting in and out of the house safely.
Previous thefts and ongoing grief
This incident follows a string of crimes against the Harbin household. Last summer, thieves broke into the family’s garage, stealing electric bikes, exercise equipment and sentimental items that belonged to Brittney’s late husband, who died of stomach cancer last year. Those events have left the family feeling targeted and unsafe.
“It makes us feel vulnerable. I feel like it kind of makes me feel like I’m being targeted,” Brittney said, noting how the repeated incidents have compounded their grief.
Community response and fundraising effort
The Harbins are now looking into installing a more permanent wheelchair ramp, one that can better withstand potential vandalism. To cover the cost, they have started a GoFundMe campaign, inviting neighbors, friends and anyone who can help to contribute.
Local residents have already begun sharing the fundraiser on social media, and the Louisville Police Department has asked anyone with video footage or information about the theft to call the anonymous tip line at (502) 574‑LMPD.
Why this matters
Access to safe, reliable mobility aids is a cornerstone of a supportive community. When a family’s essential equipment is stolen, it not only creates a physical barrier but also erodes the sense of security that families rely on. The Harbin family’s appeal underscores the importance of looking out for one another, especially for families caring for members with disabilities.
As Cerenity prepares for her upcoming surgery and the challenges of senior year, the family’s priority is restoring a sense of safety and ensuring that their home remains accessible. They hope that the outpouring of local support will help them replace the ramp quickly and move forward with confidence.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
