Bikers bearing gifts bring Easter smiles

About 35 rough-looking Harley-Davidson riders, clad in black leather and bandannas, showed their soft sides Saturday.

Clutching stuffed bunnies and other toys, they marched into Winthrop-University Hospital's pediatric ward to visit children who will spend Easter in the Mineola facility.

Some young patients watched from their windows as the bikes pulled into the parking lot. "It was awesome," said 10-year-old Reggy Cadet of Woodbury, who said the visit eased his hospital stay.

"Just to make them smile and see their faces . . . Why wouldn't you do something like this?" said Jodi Stolper, a member of the L.I. Harley Riders from East Northport.

Candy and toys were a hit, but the Biker Bunny was the star as he moved through the ward, posing for pictures and handing out Easter eggs.

Every year on Easter eve, Dominick Mazza of Bellmore dons his bunny suit, bandanna and leather chaps and vest for the ride from the Nathan Hale VFW post in Huntington Station to the hospital.

This was the L.I. Harley Rider's 10th Easter basket ride, though in previous years they were known as the Lighthouse Harley Owners Group.

"It's so much fun, they're such a spirited group," said Melanie Bucholtz, a pediatric specialist at the hospital. "You can see they genuinely want to be here."

Bucholtz said the kids are left calm and happy after the visit. "They sit there and hold their stuffed animals, and then if they need a medical procedure . . . they have something to hold on to," she said.

Angelina Diaz, 5, of Mineola, lay in her hospital bed surrounded by stuffed bunnies and chicks after the bikers' visit. Her mom, Angela Diaz, said the visit lightened the mood.

"She feels so special," Diaz said. "It makes you feel so good, it just takes away everything they feel -- all the pain."

Angelina's dad, David Diaz, rode his Harley with the group eight years ago when they visited the hospital before Easter. "Now, being on the other side, is like 'Wow.' I was overwhelmed," he said. "It's definitely well worth it."