Family of boy battling cancer had car stolen from Cleveland hospital

Cleveland (WJWs) — A family says their car was stolen from the parking lot deck while their child was being treated for advanced cancer. University Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland.

The theft was discovered Sunday as the family prepared to return home after one of their many extended stays in the hospital.

“We came back and it wasn’t there. It was just broken glass on the ground,” Michael Morris told WJW of Nextor.

Morris’ 10-year-old son Phoenix was diagnosed with neuroblastoma last December and is often hospitalized for a week at a time.

Morris explained that he and his wife always park in the parking lot adjacent to the hospital and have never had a problem.

“The hospital itself has its own police station, so it’s kind of baffling to me how someone could have walked in, stolen a car, and left,” Morris said.

The car is a 2018 red Hyundai Elantra. Police are investigating, and he lost his license plate near Royalton, which his leader picked up.

“It’s nice not to have to go back and buy a new car because I don’t even know if I can buy it right now,” Morris said. She misses her job by her son’s side during treatment, so having to start all over is the worst. ”

The boy’s grandmother started a GoFundMe to help replace the family’s only car. Without it, they struggle to find transportation.

“Any help would be helpful,” Morris said.

The family had also already started a foundation to raise awareness and funds to fight childhood cancer called Phoenix Rising.

Anyone with information about the missing Hyundai is advised to call the University Hospital Police at 216-844-4357.

University Hospital released the following statement regarding the incident:

“The safety of patients, visitors and caregivers is our number one priority. Our UH Police Department responded to the incident and it is currently under investigation at the University Circle Police Department. Patients, Visitors and Caregivers Additionally, we encourage you to consider downloading the UH Safe app, which can be used to call 911, which alerts UH Police to safety concerns on campus.”