BRIDGEPORT — The parents of an ailing 5-year-old girl say they're overwhelmed by the support they've received after their parking problem made headlines this week.
"We are really moved by everyone's hearts," said Isabelle Guzman, who along with husband Salvador, lives in the 3000 block of South Farrell Street.
Early Sunday, vandals tossed garbage cans on top of a nurse's car that had been parked on Farrell Street, leading to threats by the nurse to quit her overnight job watching Gabriella, who's hooked up to a ventilator and requires 24-hour care.
For the Guzmans, the vandalism highlighted a long-standing problem on the narrow street — too many cars and not enough parking spaces for residents and visitors to the nearby bustling corner of 31st and Morgan streets.
Now the couple has handed over paperwork for handicap parking placards and special parking signs to 11th Ward Ald. James Balcer, who's visited the home a few times since Sunday's incident.
He's pledged to expedite the process in "any way he can" to help the couple.
"I'm glad that Gabriella's story is out there. I'm hoping that Balcer does follow through. He seems really sincere that he'll do it," she said.
First reported by DNAinfo Chicago, the jarring images of the nurse's vandalized car drew national headlines, and the Guzmans said they weren't ready for all of that sudden attention.
Casey Cora discusses the vandalism:
For years, the couple quietly has been shoveling out spots in front of their home and using "dibs" to save spots for Gabriella's nurses in the winter.
But they're using the newfound publicity to raise awareness about the everyday struggles of parents caring for sick children.
"We always have to paint a picture for people as much as possible so they can get an understanding of what we have to deal with day to day," she said. "We've learned how important neighbors are. It shows the kindness, their hearts, their intentions."
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