Residents step up to help disabled teen whose bike was stolen

By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer Updated 11:18 AM Thursday, December 23, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — After a local teenager with cerebral palsy had his custom-made bike stolen, Middletown residents have rallied to replace the cycle.

On Saturday, thieves broke into a garage on Bryant Street and stole a custom-made bike belonging to 16-year-old Cody Brewer. The teen has cerebral palsy and is unable to walk long distances or use his right arm. The red tricycle with heavy black mag wheels cost Cody’s single mom, Karla Brewer, almost $600, but was “the only way he could get around,” Karla Brewer said.

Because of the boy’s health issues, his mother has not told him the bike was stolen and was hoping it would be returned or replaced before he found out. Karla Brewer filed a police report, but there have been no leads on the stolen bike.

Since Wednesday — when The Journal published a story about the theft — dozens of residents have called and e-mailed offering to help the Brewer family replace the bike.

Karla Brewer said she is meeting with Middletown resident Randy Lewis today to drive down to Mason and order a new bike for Cody, as well as new bikes for her sons, Austin, 13, and Tyler, 11, who also had their bikes stolen from the garage. Another local businessman has also offered to fix her damaged garage and replace the lock free of charge.

“(The community is) great. They are awesome. This is the greatest thing in the world,” Karla Brewer said. “I never thought I would get so many calls especially around Christmas. There are so many people in need right now, not just me so this is great.”

Cody Brewer’s aunt, Becky Pennington, said the response from the community has been wonderful.

“This will do so much good for the family and for Cody. It is just great,” Pennington said.