'Part of our job to do more': Milwaukee County sheriff deputies donate time, money to fix cancer survivor's car

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As a two-time cancer survivor, Ouida Parish depends on a car to get to and from doctor appointments, the pharmacy and the grocery store.

"It's really, really hard," Parish said. "A lot of days all I can do is just pray."

Her Toyota has been inoperable since October.

"They stole the catalytic converter and they busted the window, and then I found out someone was sleeping in there," Parish said.

Milwaukee County Sheriff Deputy Kristine Rodriguez first heard about Parish's hardships just last week at a Valentine's Day dance.

Parish was out of breath from competing in a dance contest, trying to win money to be able to pay for her car repairs. 

"I felt like I needed to do something," Rodriguez said. "I felt compelled after having that conversation with her."

Rodriguez made a few calls to some coworkers she knew could help. Together, they're fixing Parish's car at no cost to her.

A couple of @MilwCoSheriff deputies are surprising a Milwaukee woman today by fixing her non-functional car at no cost to her. She’s suffering from cancer and needs the car to get to doctor appointments and the grocery store. Full story on @CBS58. pic.twitter.com/5epbXx4G7D

— Gabriella Bachara (@GabbyBachara) February 15, 2022

"This is part of our job to do more, to serve, and to listen to the hardship, to see what we can do to help," Rodriguez said.

The car needs a catalytic converter, engine mount, axel and tires. It's estimated to cost between $1,500 and $2,000.

"It means everything to me. It means more than anyone could imagine," Parish said. 

Some of the parts will be donated by Pro Tech Automotive in Milwaukee. All of the labor will be done by Deputy Yia Vang in his spare time.