Family van stolen from dad fighting cancer: 'Beyond frustrating'

PORTLAND -- A Portland couple already dealing with a tough situation is now dealing with having their family van stolen, KPTV reported.

The van wasn't just the family car, it was the way that Nick Demagalski was able to get to his doctor's appointments as he fights stage 4 cancer.

For the last two years Demagalski has been fighting for his life.

"That's when they found the first tumor which is right here," said Demagalski, as he pointed to the back of his head.

At 32 years old, he was diagnosed with cancer.

"Everything is much more difficult now because of the sickness, but, you know, it just one thing after the next," added Demagalski.

The family van was the only way Demagalski, his wife and their three girls were able to get to and from the hospital for chemotherapy.

It also provided enough room to carry Demagalski's wheelchair.

"That's the only way we can fit everyone in the car is by using our van," said Demagalski.

On Friday, July 18, someone stole the family's 2005 Toyota Sienna van from the parking lot of the Chuck E. Cheese's restaurant on Southeast 92nd and Powell around 5:30 p.m.

"Beyond frustrating, quite frankly," added Demagalski.

The family says the kids' nanny had left the keys on the table with some of her other belongings.

While she was away for a few minutes, someone inside the restaurant swiped the keys and then swiped the van.

"For someone to steal a van from Chuck E Cheese's, they don't even know. You're leaving a family stranded there," said Nichole Demagalski, Nick's wife.

Inside the van was some of Nick's medication, as well the car seats for their kids and several of their daughter's belongings and toys.

They say they also had a sentimental baby blanket that was given to their 3-year-old when she was born.

"I'm still in disbelief that's its actually gone. I guess because I can't see someone stealing a minivan," added Nichole Demagalski.

What really frustrates the Demagalskis is that they had just paid off their van and had received the title to the car.

Even though their insurance company is covering a rental car, it only covers an economy size vehicle which isn't big enough to carry Nick's wheelchair.

"It's hard to think of what we're going to do now," said Nichole Demagalski.

In a couple of weeks Nick Demagalski is trying a new trial treatment at OHSU where he will really need that van to get around.

The family's van is a 2005 Toyota Sienna that is dark green in color. It has Oregon license plate 902 CBL.

If you have any information on this case call Portland police.