Tulsa Family Suffers From Theft, Uses Generator To Power Medical Machines For Young Girl

A Tulsa family is using a generator in a hot, dark house to keep their little girl's ventilator and other medical machines running.

On top of that, a thief also stole thousands of dollars' worth of medical supplies from the family's front porch.

Andrea McLauchlan said the bills are piling up and she's not sure how they'll make it through the month.

She said while the way they're living isn't sustainable, it's all they've got.

There's nothing Andrea wants more than to take care of her kids, but after a thief took her daughter's life sustaining medical supplies and storms stole her power, she feels powerless.

"I'm her mother. That's what I'm supposed to be doing. That's what she deserves and needs," said Andrea.

Ruthanne is a tough 12-year-old. She uses a tablet and sign language to communicate.

Ruthanne has a trach, feeding tube, and her life depends on many machines. They're using a generator to keep the machines working.

"Gas is not cheap right now. It takes 15 gallons to run it for a day and night," said Andrea. That's if they can find a place that has fuel right now.

Heat and humidity inside their home makes it harder for Ruthanne to sleep and breathe. "She gets so hot, and she gets really sweaty," said Andrea.

And her nurse can't come take care of her in these conditions.

They were already having a tough time. Earlier this month, security cameras caught a thief stealing four boxes off of Andrea's porch.

"She pulled in just like she lived here," said Andrea.

Boxes with a month's worth of medical supplies that cost thousands of dollars.

"If you keep reusing some things it's gonna build up bacteria," said Andrea.

Unless they pay out of pocket, it'll be another three weeks before new boxes arrive.

"I'm just praying to the Lord that he will provide the money and the help," said Andrea.

Click here to view the family's GoFundMe and donate.