Photo provided Alexandria Sutton is shown with Avery in his red wagon, which is used to transport him and his medical equipment to doctor’s appointments and other destinations.
A local family has seen theft, charity, and an unexpected reunion all in one week — and all because of a little red wagon.
Riley Hospital for Children recently gifted Alexandria Sutton and Mark Wilson with a wagon for their 2-year-old son, Avery Wilson, after his previous wagon was stolen from the family’s back patio on the night of Sept. 28. Rather than being a mere toy, the wagon is essential for transporting Avery and his medical equipment.
However, just a day after the hospital delivered the gift of a new wagon, a Columbus police officer found the first wagon. Sutton said that whoever had taken the wagon had decided to return it to the family’s previous address.
The wagon has a significant history for Avery and his family. At the end of April of last year, Avery was put on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) life support at Riley Hospital, Sutton explained. The hospital gave the original wagon to help the family transport their son, who cannot walk, along with the 70 pounds of medical equipment needed to support him.
“The Riley red wagon represents the family-centered care provided at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health. Red wagons help families navigate Riley Hospital, and bring children smiles during what can be a stressful time,” according to Riley’s website.
The wagons are also the preferred mode of transport for many of the hospital’s patients, including Avery.
“It meant a lot to us,” said Sutton. “… It wasn’t just a gift, but it was, I mean, it’s our son’s legs.”
After hearing about the theft of the first wagon, the hospital decided to replace the wagon and dropped off a new one on Oct. 7. Sutton said it was “perfect timing,” as Avery had a doctor’s appointment coming up.
Just one day after receiving the new wagon, the old was found, and she plans to see if the replacement can be given to another child who needs it for transportation.
For Avery’s family, having a Riley wagon has been vital. Most wagons and strollers don’t have the right wheels or enough strength to carry their son, his seat and all of the necessary medical equipment.
“We’re just very thankful and happy that Riley was able to once again help our son,” said Sutton. “Because like I said, without a wagon, essentially, Avery, he can’t really go places. It’s not really in the cards for him to just get in a regular stroller and go places.”
