Seattle’s ABC Affiliate KOMO News 4’s (www.komonews.com) Problem Solver’s program helped a Tacoma man obtain another wheelchair – see story.  In response to the story, several people volunteered a wheelchair, including LifeNets.  A deluxe model was chosen and given to Andrew Hagan Monday, the day after KOMO aired the story which was May 11, 2009.. 

Unfortunately, it turned out that new chair too heavy and not easily collapsed so it could be put into his Mother ‘s car when she picked him up from his classes. 

A couple of days later, KOMO’s Jennifer Austin called Catherine Brumbaugh, LifeNets Puget Sound member, who had called after seeing the program but could not obtain a chair that Monday. 

Working with Alix Kubik, LifeNets wheelchair program coordinator, a chair was located in the Seattle area, picked up in north Seattle and taken south to an arranged meeting with Ms. Hagan and her son Andrew.  Ms. Hagan was very happy to have a lighter weight model that was easy to fold and store in her car’s trunk. 

KOMO added information about LifeNets to its website story about the Hagans.

-- Catherine Brumbaugh, LifeNets Puget Sound Chapter

From KOMO-TV -- Stranger's kindness refuels man's mobility

May 11, 2009

TACOMA, Wash. -- A local man has gained a new sense of freedom thanks to the generosity of another.

Andrew Hagan lost his wheelchair last week when his mother's car was stolen from the parking garage at the Emerald Queen Casino in Fife. The wheelchair was in the trunk.

Hagan suffers from cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and a heart condition. And without a wheelchair to use to get around, his mom has had to help him walk everywhere.

"It was a lot harder than usual," said mother, Cheri Hagan.

But now, Andrew says he feels "real good," thanks to a stranger who made a heart-warming donation after seeing a KOMO News report on Sunday night. Patrick O'Keefe of Everett gave Andrew a nearly-new $8,000 wheelchair.

"Yes, it's something the young man can use," O'Keefe said. "It makes me feel great."

Both Andrew and Cheri Hagan were thrilled to be given a new wheelchair, which happens to also recline.

Meantime, the Puyallup Tribal Police are investigating this case.

If you have a wheelchair to donate or are in need of a wheelchair, contact LifeNets International, a nonprofit group.