The charger for 67-year-old Ian McKichan's deep brain stimulator was stolen from the parking lot of Storms on the River during the lunch hour on Wednesday (Image Credit: Amanda McKichan)

By Chad Klassen

STOLEN CHARGER

Kamloops family hoping thief returns charger needed for Parkinson’s patient

Dec 4, 2019 | 4:42 PM

KAMLOOPS — A desperate plea from a Kamloops family who are trying to track down an essential piece of medical equipment.

Ian McKichan lives with Parkinson’s Disease and uses a deep brain stimulator to control his symptoms. At around noon today (Dec. 4), while attending a Parkinson’s Society luncheon at Storms on the River, someone broke into his vehicle in the parking lot, and made off with the charger for the stimulator.

“It’s important,” said daughter Amanda McKichan. “The deep brain stimulator is electrodes in his brain and they’re connected to a battery in his chest. The battery’s charged every night with this charger. It controls his Parkinson’s, his symptoms, keeps him from freezing and stops the tremors.”

The deep brain stimulation charger belonging to 67-year-old Kamloops resident Ian McKichan looks similar to this model.

The 67-year-old McKichan and his wife had stopped at the luncheon before carrying on to see their other daughter in Calgary. The theft has forced the trip to be cancelled.

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“They’re pretty stressed out,” noted Amanda. “They’ve already been in touch with his neurologist and they’ve also been trying to get in touch with Medtronic, the company that made the battery and the charger.”

The battery charger, which is unique and cannot be purchased anywhere, was taken from their green Ford Escape. The family is asking the individual to return it immediately. Amanda can be reached at 250-214-5050.