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Bikes bring toys for tykes

Giving, receiving brighten sunny day at hospital

By Julie Poppen, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published December 3, 2007 at 12:30 a.m.

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D'Marus Brice, 4, of Colorado Springs, right, smiles at his mother, Tesa Brice, as toys are unloaded into a huge pile in the lobby of Children's Hospital in Aurora.

D'Marus Brice, 4, of Colorado Springs, right, smiles at his mother, Tesa Brice, as toys are unloaded into a huge pile in the lobby of Children's Hospital in Aurora.

Firefighters from Littleton Fire and Rescue wave to riders in the 22nd Annual Toy Run as they roar east on C-470 on their way to Children's Hospital with loads of toys for young patients.

Firefighters from Littleton Fire and Rescue wave to riders in the 22nd Annual Toy Run as they roar east on C-470 on their way to Children's Hospital with loads of toys for young patients.

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Organizers estimated that between 2,500 and 3,000 motorcycles rumbled into Children's Hospital's parking lot in Aurora on Sunday with precariously mounted toys.

Nice weather brought a few young patients outside to greet them, some with chemo drips in tow. Others pressed themselves against windows on the fourth floor to watch the parade.

Each child in the hospital will receive something. Here are some rider and recipient stories:

Two-wheel convert

Allen Hillje, 45, of Fort Lupton, wasn't that into motorcycles when he helped unload toys during this same event two decades ago.

He was just out of active duty as a Marine, volunteering as part of a reserve unit. But he recalls how moved he was by what he saw.

"It was awesome. All these rough and tough leather types bringing the toys for the kids."

Now he, too, is among the throngs of riders on his red 2004 Harley Davidson Road King with an American flag on the back. It was obvious the spirit moved him. He wore a Santa hat and a blond beard.

Spirits lifted

Jimmy Angle, 11, of Castle Rock, was in a good mood. He was about to get discharged from the hospital after getting his chemotherapy.

Furthermore, he got to go outside with his drip, a nurse, his parents and a sister and watch the hordes of black-leather-clad motorcyclists roar by the hospital and greet him on their way in.

He was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in July and underwent surgery in October.

His mother watched as her son's eyes lit up as he pointed out toys or riders in costume. Jimmy even had his photo taken with a chaps-wearing Grinch.

"This really helps a lot when he sees something that interests him at the hospital," said his mother, Mary Anne Mooradian. "It really lifts him up."

Toy remembrance

Judy Cain's eyes welled up as she looked at some of the children surrounding the Christmas tree in the airy Children's Hospital lobby. Some had no hair. Many were hooked to tubes.

The 48-year-old Englewood resident knows firsthand how challenging it can be to be hospitalized. And she knows bad things can happen to good people, innocent people.

Her husband, Jim, was killed and she sustained a head injury when the couple were hit by a drunk driver two years ago in South Dakota a week before the Sturgis Rally. The two were out sightseeing.

He loved the Toy Run. Today, she does it with friends to remember him and because it means so much to her.

"You're giving the children enjoyment," Cain said. "I can't imagine having a child in this hospital."

Comments

  • December 4, 2007

    6:03 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Jake writes:

    Yesterday was the 8th time I'd participated in this ride and unless representatives of RMHD step up and acknowledge that the route was dangerous and make some serious changes to ensure safety, it will definitely be my last. Myself and 4 other riding companions were in the 1st 200 group of rides that left and personally witnessed 2 very close calls. We all arrived safely and all commented about what a 'nightmare' the ride was as we parked at Children's Hospital. The total lack of concern and regard for the safety of our 'brothers and sisters' by Barb and her entourage makes me ill. Are they serious? And the concern that 'mandatory helmets' will reduce participation? Come on Barb...is that all you care about? Numbers? Your ego? Your records? I'll always support Children's Hospital but will NOT put my life, nor that of anyone else on the line for a $25 dollar toy. Amazing...truly amazing!

    Respectfully,

    Jake