Loaner stroller makes ill girl's day

Elizabeth Maher, 7, who is handicapped and chronically ill,Saturday had a big smile on her face.

She was being wheeled about her Northwest Side home in a loanerstroller, almost like the $2,000 Swiss-made one stolen last Sundayfrom in front of her home.

Elizabeth, who can communicate only through sign language, ranher hands over the velour seat, then clapped her hands in joy.

The loaner "is a blessing," said her mother, Susan Maher. "We'vehad a problem getting Elizabeth out of it because she likes it sowell. I think she feels more secure in it. And she knows she can gooutside in it."

The loaner, from Marianjoy Rehabilitation Center in Wheaton, issmaller than Elizabeth's, but looks like it.

Elizabeth has cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease andunderwent a tracheotomy. The stroller carries her oxygen and suctionmachine.

Dozens of Chicago area residents have offered to help replacethe stolen stroller. The mother said Saturday she thinks she willaccept the offer of an executive and his wife, who wish to remainunidentified.

The "tremendous outpouring" from people stunned Maher.Everybody has been so super helpful," she said.

It took seven months for Elizabeth's own stroller to bedelivered after it was ordered. Her mother said the loaner willallow Elizabeth to be outdoors more.

"We don't know what Elizabeth's situation will be a year fromnow," Maher said. "We want her to be able to get outside this summerand enjoy the good weather. She really likes getting outside."

Illinois Attorney General Neil F. Hartigan said he would ask thestroller manufacturer to expedite delivery of Elizabeth's newstroller.

Elizabeth's stroller was stolen as her mother and father,Michael Sr., 40, a Foster Avenue District policeman, were taking awalk with Elizabeth and stopped briefly at their home.