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Copeland said someone took the van from the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood in Atlanta. Her titanium wheelchair was in the trunk.

She told Thomas she was forced to ride 5 miles to work Monday morning in her motorized wheelchair.

Copeland contracted the flesh-eating bacteria in May 2012 after falling from a zip line and gashing her leg.

Doctors had to amputate both of Copeland’s hands, her left leg and right foot.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP