Wauwatosa Girl Battling Cancer Faces New Challenge After Car Theft

Mother struggles to get daughter to life-saving treatments after vehicle stolen from apartment complex

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A Wauwatosa mother's car was stolen from her apartment complex parking lot, creating a new challenge in getting her 4-year-old daughter Ava to and from her life-saving cancer treatments. Alexandrea Buer said the tan 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE was the primary way she transported Ava, who was diagnosed with leukemia in June. With the car now gone, Buer is relying on help from friends and family but is hopeful she can get the vehicle back.

Why it matters

This story highlights the immense difficulties faced by families with seriously ill children, as even basic transportation needs can become a major obstacle during an already incredibly challenging time. The theft of Buer's car has compounded the family's struggles, raising concerns about how they will continue to get Ava to her critical cancer treatments.

The details

Buer said there were no signs of a break-in, and she was focused solely on getting Ava ready for her appointment when she discovered the car missing. The tan 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE not only served as transportation for the family, but was a lifeline for getting Ava to her life-saving leukemia treatments. With the car now stolen, Buer said she is grateful for help from friends and family but is hopeful she can get the vehicle back.

  • Ava was diagnosed with leukemia in June 2026.
  • Buer's car was stolen from her apartment complex parking lot last week.

The players

Alexandrea Buer

A Wauwatosa mother of three whose car was stolen, creating a challenge in getting her 4-year-old daughter Ava to her cancer treatments.

Ava

Buer's 4-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with leukemia in June 2026.

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What they’re saying

“There was no glass or anything on the ground, so that was a little weird, and it didn't hit me – my only focus was, 'Let's get ready for Ava's appointment.'”

— Alexandrea Buer, Mother (fox6now.com)

“I feel like that made me really emotional, I think that was the hardest day.”

— Alexandrea Buer, Mother (fox6now.com)

“Made our life hit the ground when it was already – we're already trying to come up, we're already trying to make the best of it. I feel like having the car stolen, it's like starting all over – and where do you start?”

— Alexandrea Buer, Mother (fox6now.com)

“We're almost through the worst time of it right now, so we're trying to take advantage of every moment that she can go do something fun, that she has energy to go to, and that really hit me. I don't even have the transportation to do that.”

— Alexandrea Buer, Mother (fox6now.com)

What’s next

Wauwatosa police are asking anyone with information about the stolen car to contact them.

The takeaway

This story underscores the immense challenges faced by families with seriously ill children, as even basic needs like transportation can become major obstacles during an already incredibly difficult time. The theft of Buer's car has compounded her family's struggles, highlighting the importance of community support and resources for families navigating pediatric health crises.