A Santee man is asking for help after his heart pump was stolen from his car last Wednesday.

The medical device is worth thousands of dollars and Anthony Wilson is uncertain if his insurance will cover the full cost of replacing it.

Wilson, 49, started having heart problems 15 years ago. After undergoing a risky surgery a year ago, he now relies on a heart pump to live.

“It’s very expensive equipment, and it’s for my life,” he said.

On Feb. 13, Wilson's car was parked outside a convenience store in downtown San Diego near Horton Plaza when someone broke in and took his backpack.

“I don’t believe that the person who stole my backpack knew what he was taking,” he said.

Inside the backpack, was a $21,000 backup heart pump and a pair of batteries worth $5,000 each.

“I don’t know if they’ll be covered by insurance or what’s gonna happen now,” Wilson.

The potential financial burden added to the stress the Wilson family already feels.

“It’s scary because I’m always thinking while he’s out, 'Does he have his batteries? Did he charge them?'” said Sandra Renfro Wilson, Anthony Wilson’s wife.

The heart pump allows Wilson to run and play with his two children.

“I want to see all the good times and bad times and get to be a part of that,” Anthony Wilson said.

He’s hoping that someone might spot his stolen heart pump being sold online, or perhaps find the device if it was dumped by the thief.