Thieves Steal Medical Equipment From Family's Car While Baby Was In Surgery

DENVER (CBS4)- A family, concentrating on helping their baby recover from surgery to repair a heart defect, was targeted by thieves while at the hospital. Their car was broken into and all their daughter's medical equipment was stolen.

The Willingham family was staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Denver while their 6-month-old Korra had surgery to repair a heart defect. Korra's twin sister Kaylee, along with their parents, Chris and Courtney had traveled from Grand Junction.

"She reached out and gave her sister a little high five," said Chris Willingham.

Korrra's surgery was a big event that lasted the better part of the day.

"It was about four hours she was in the operating room and then it was another hour or two before we could go see her," said Courtney Willingham.

To help with expenses, the family was staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

"Nobody who is staying there can afford a hotel room, has too many people in their party to stay at the hospital with their kids," said Courtney.

After a week of recovery, Korra was ready to go home with her family. But on Tuesday morning they discovered that someone had broken into their car.

"We made it down the stairs outside and saw the car door hanging open and everything was gone," said Courtney.

The glove box had been rummaged through, electronics, their bags, even medical equipment-- a pulse oximeter used to check Korra's oxygen-- was all gone.

"The insurance no longer covered it and even though the original had been stolen they wouldn't issue us a second one," said Chris.

They were issued a loaner pulse oximeter from the hospital to get home but they will have to pay for the new equipment.

Chris said they will get new clothes and electronics but some things can't be replaced, "Irreplaceable gifts that those... are just gone now."

Police had the family file a report online but no suspects have been identified.

To help the couple recoup the cost of the medical equipment, friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page.