Help On The Way For Heart Patient Who Had Belongings Stolen

A day made a huge difference for a burglary victim in Oklahoma City.

Friday, May 2nd 2014, 10:32 pm

By: News 9


A day made a huge difference for a burglary victim in Oklahoma City.

An accused thief stole from an out-of-town heart transplant patient and her family this week. The family shared their story Thursday night from Integris Baptist Medical Center to get the suspect caught. The suspect is still on the run, but the family has been moved to tears.

"I started crying. I couldn't help it," said Tommy Small.

Small said he is overwhelmed at the support his family has received. Thieves broke into his suburban, shredded the steering column to the tune of $1,000 and stole his wife's belongings while she is in the hospital undergoing heart transplant surgery.

"Oklahomans are better than that. We help people. We don't rob them," said John Ahooei with Fleet Transmission in Oklahoma City.

Ahooei and the crew at Fleet Transmission wanted to help the Smalls. They paid for a tow truck to pick up the damaged vehicle and Ahooei said they will do all the repair work for free.

"They need the help. I'm here. I can do it. Why not? Somebody did it for me. I'm just returning the favor," said Ahooei.

When Ahooei called to order a new part, the owner of Jay's Auto Parts and Sales in Oklahoma City was moved to help, too. Jay Murphy donated the $800 part for free and said it is an Oklahoma thing.

5/1/2014 Related Story: Heart Patient's Belongings Stolen From Car While At Hospital

"It's just a strong part of us and we like to do that when we can, when we can help somebody in need," explained Murphy.

The Small's change in luck did not stop there. A man tracked down Small at the hospital, gave him an envelope and said he wanted to help the family. He left before Small realized there was $1,000 in cash inside.

"I counted the money and there was ten $100 bills in there and I was so happy that I just couldn't believe that someone would actually help that much," Small said.

Small said the actions of that one crook do not reflect all Oklahomans.

"God is looking out for me and my family, and I think he spoke to those people last night and I really appreciate it," Small explained.

Small said doctors were able to close Gina Small's chest Friday after complications from her heart transplant surgery prevented that for more than a week. They hope to wake her up Monday and Tommy Small said he cannot wait to tell her everything that happened while she was asleep.

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