Downers Grove Cyclists Deliver Christmas Gifts to Pediatric Patients

A group of 25 cyclists from Downers Grove kicked off the 2012 holiday season over the weekend with a special delivery to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.

The cyclists, known as the "Pedal Heads," met at Lemon Tree Grocer on Saturday morning, dressed up in Santa suits, reindeer antlers and other holiday attire. They then rode two miles to the hospital to deliver Christmas gifts to pediatric patients.

Because the cyclists delivered so many presents, they will be stored at the hospital and given throughout the holiday season and beyond to children who are seen in the emergency room, inpatient units and in the laboratory for various procedures, according to hospital officials.

“We spread the cheer through the whole year,” said Peggy Farrell, manager of the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Premature infant Logan Vazquez, of Naperville, received a small light-up snowman from the cyclists. He has been a patient in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit since his Oct. 2 birth at 1 pound, 14 ounces; he now weighs 3 pounds, 14 ounces.

The event was a first for the Pedal Heads, a group associated with the Downers Grove Bicycle Club. Vita Zadura, a Pedal Heads team member and Chicago Police officer, came up with the idea to deliver gifts to pediatric patients. 

“I’m pleased to say our first toy drive ended up being a huge success,” said Vicky Tate, Pedal Heads team captain and group exercise instructor at the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center. “My heart is overflowing with joy.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

There are plenty of ways to keep up on Downers Grove news:

• Sign up for our daily email newsletter

• Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take.