Christmas came early for four East Bay families who thanks
to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland, drove off with newly-refurbished
set of wheels Wednesday.
Social workers handpicked parents who have children who need
constant medical care and have had to resort to borrowing cars, using ride
share apps or renting cars to bring their kids to doctor’s appointments.
“Every month, I rent a car to get here, sometimes, twice a
month,” said Anna Cornelius.
She has to make a two-and-a-half-hour drive from her home in
Sacramento to the hospital in Oakland so that her 15-year-old daughter can
receive blood transfusions to treat her sickle cell anemia.
On Wednesday, GEICO and auto body repair company Caliber Collision teamed up to present the parents with the keys to their new cars.
“It was just a magical moment,” said Hayward resident Cecilia
Martinez.
Martinez had to quit her job to take care of her two sons
who suffer from a range of conditions including autism and epilepsy.
When her 2-year-old suffers from a seizure, she’s had to
dial 911 or request an Uber to get to the nearest hospital.
“Now if something happens, I can just drive them there,”
said Martinez.
The cars were equipped with a current registration, car
seats, and a truck full of extra gifts like gas cards totaling $350.
“A huge weight has been lifted and I’m grateful,” said
Cornelius.
GEICO donated the cars, some of which were involved in crashes. Caliber
Collisions then refurbished them into mint-condition.
“Best day ever,” said Martinez.
Eight needy families in San Diego, Los Angeles and Sacramento
also received new cars.
Source: NBC Bay Area
Be First to Comment