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Thieves Stole This Boy's Wheelchair, Then Strangers Gave Him Something Even Better

September 17, 2025

What began as heartbreak for one Midvale family has turned into a powerful story of generosity, teamwork, and hope.

Jayson Bird and Axton

Just one week after thieves stole 11-year-old Axton Bird’s donated electric wheelchair, a group of local nonprofits came together to not only replace it—but to surprise him with even more.

Axton lives with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a rare genetic condition that causes stiff joints and weak muscles, making it difficult to walk long distances. Insurance hadn’t provided him a wheelchair, so when someone donated one, it was a lifeline. That’s why it was devastating when it suddenly vanished from the family’s parking lot.

“When the wheelchair was stolen, we kind of hit rock bottom,” Axton’s dad, Jayson Bird, shared. “All we were seeing was red and anger, thinking, ‘How could someone do this?’ But I had to remind myself and remind my wife and my family that sometimes God works in mysterious ways, and God brought these wonderful people to us.”

One of those people was Mike Felice with Disabled Outdoorsmen Utah. After seeing the story on FOX 13 News, he immediately knew who to call.

“Let’s don’t focus on the negative, let’s focus on the positive and what can we do to resolve this, and let’s get this young man a new chair,” he said.

Together with Compassion Mobility and other organizations, the community quickly rallied. Within a week, Axton had a brand-new wheelchair—this one specially designed so he can operate it with his elbow.

The kindness didn’t stop there.

Kings Camo offered to outfit Axton with hunting gear, while Huckleberry Hiking donated tandem hiking equipment to help him enjoy trails with greater ease. Supporters even raised $2,500 for the family to use toward other expenses.

Seeing his son in the new chair left Jayson almost lost for words.

“Overwhelmed, overjoyed, speechless,” he said. “To watch our son have the independence and mobility that he deserves and have such a really awesome and cool wheelchair that he can grow into and have for many years to come, means the world to us and our family.”