Utah Neighbors Rally For Family Hit By Medical Issues, Thieves

EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah – A Utah community has come together to help a family hit hard with health problems and targeted by thieves.

A year-and-a-half ago, the Aitken family was just like any other Utah family. Then, health problems hit.

David Aitken was diagnosed with a chronic condition that has slowly taken away his ability to walk. In addition, he now attends dialysis three times a week and has suffered four strokes just this year.

Last week, thieves hit the family and broke into their van full of thousands of dollars in medical gear.

Friends have stepped in, hoping to help.

The tree was lit and the decorations put up at the Aitken house. This Christmas is going to be smaller. Last week when Aitken and his family were heading to dialysis, they quickly realized their van had been broken into. Over $3000 worth of medical gear had been stolen.

Aitken expressed his anger on social media.

“I was really frustrated and put a Facebook post saying, ‘Can you believe scumbags would steal from a handicapped person?’” he said.

All the gear associated with Aitken’s health problems were expensive, and most-likely useless to thieves.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Eric Marsing when he saw the Facebook post.

He’s known the Aitkens for years.

“You don’t wish their situation on anyone,” said Marsing. “Then to have their van broken into, and everything stolen out of it — my heart went out to them.”

Marsing has watched his friend’s health decline and has been inspired by Aitken’s attitude.

“Through all of their struggles and trials, they’ve always smiled and been optimistic, just carried themselves so well and been a great example to me,” he said.

Marsing set up a GoFundMe page,* hoping to help raise enough money to replace what the Aitkens lost in the van, and ideally more.

“Their hearts, as I mentioned in the GoFundMe, are bigger than most. The kids they’ve adopted are just absolutely the best. It’s a family that’s in need,” said Marsing. “Our goal is $3,000, but I know that every dime spent is going to be put to good use – whatever we can come up with.”

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*KSL-TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.