SACRAMENTO –

Disabled veteran Alvin Luke is back on the road visiting friends. Luke’s power wheelchair was stolen when he momentarily left it charging outside his friend’s home on Thursday.

Luke has severe health problems and swollen legs. Without a wheelchair, he was trapped at home. He’s used to physical pain, but says the hours after the wheelchair was stolen were emotionally painful.

“I was getting sick and tired of life,” said Luke.

FOX40 aired a piece about his wheelchair right after it was stolen. A woman in the neighborhood saw the story, and the very next day, Luke says she saw a power wheelchair for sale in front of a home a few blocks away. It was on sale for $50.

Luke says the woman realized the wheelchair was his and was able to get it back without paying for it. Alvin says he barely knew the woman, and was touched by what she did.

“I said, God’s got a special place up in heaven for you,” said Luke.

Luke says he feels that his faith in the world has been restored.

“There was a big ‘ol smile on my face. This is the first time I’ve gotten anything back that’s been stolen from me,” said Luke.

Many FOX40 viewers e-mailed and called to donate either money or a wheelchair to Luke. Luke says he was surprised by the outpouring of support.

“It feels like you know, damn, there’s actually some people out there that cares about life, you know. Not just themselves but cares about people,” said Luke.