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PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, April 17, 200i - . "ov Toad Daniel Hansen, 8, was d » eeply affected by the theft of his bike, his mom says. Theft of bike had profound effect on boy, says mom | By Rik Davie Port Perry Star Eight-year-old Daniel Hansen is a victim of crime, and he's taking it public. Daniel, like many other kids his age, was victimized last summer when his bike was stolen. He has another bike to ride now, and after his mother wrote a letter to the editor berating the thieves who took her boys bike from their downtown backyard, she thought the episode was over. Last week, a call from Daniel's school let Mrs. Hansen know that the effects of that stolen bike linger in the youngster's mind. Daniel wrote a story in his class on what he wants to do when he grows up. In it, he says he wants to meet up with whoever took his bike. In a letter that was sub- mitted by his mother as a letter to the editor, Daniel said that when he's bigger, he wants to make sure no other kids lose their proper- ty the way he lost his. "I want to protect the town from bullies like the teenagers stealing bikes, like they stole mine," the youngster wrote. Mrs. Hansen was shocked when Daniel's teacher showed her the 'story. "It broke my heart," she said. "I thought that we had kind of gotten over it, and he hadn't mentioned it." But Daniel hadn't forgot- ten; he remembers that bike as an old friend that he lost. "I really cared for that bike," Daniel said in the story. "I got it for 30 dollars and I really liked it a lot." Daniel said that both his brothers' bikes were also stolen. And during an inter- view, he said the effects of a theft like the one he suf- fered last a long time for young people. "It makes you feel pretty bad," Daniel said. Mrs. Hansen hopes the people responsible for the thefts see the story. "I don't think people know what they are doing to a child," she said. "It's not just a bike they take, they take his innocence and his trust in the world." As spring arrives, Daniel will hit the streets of the town with another bike. And this one will get registered with the Durham Regional Police sticker that makes its . return, if stolen, more prob- able. But it won't be the same for young Daniel Hansen, it won't be that other bike, the one that was taken, and he. won't look at the friendly people of his town quite the same way any more, either. One of them took his bike. Goal for Aerobathon 530,000, says organizer Aerobathon organizer Michele Valentino is aiming for the $30,000 mark this year, when her sixth annual Heart and Stroke Foundation fundraiser is held. Scheduled for May 6 at the Scugog Community Centre, the Aerobathon will once again see partici- pants raise cash for the Heart and Stroke Foundation while getting a good workout at the same time. 'Three 45-minute sessions have been scheduled for that day (1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.), and men and women of all ages are encouraged to participate. A minimum of $25 in pledges is required to take part in the effort. "We're trying to encourage everyone to come out and take part, not just the avid fitness buff," said Mrs. Valentino, who began the effort six years ago after her father's death from a heart attack. Each session will be different, and participants are welcome to take part in just one or all three. Debbie Stevenson will lead things off at | p.m. with high-low aerobics. Mrs. Valentino will follow at 2 p.m. with salsa aerobics, and Leslie Monkman will lead the final session, beginning at 3 p.m., with kick boxing. Refreshments will be provided, and door prizes will be up for grabs. So far, Mrs. Valentino, of Valentino's Fitness Fanatics, has donated a free month of fitness classes and aquafit sessions. Over the past five years the Aerobathon has raised about $25,000, and Mrs. Valentino is aiming to hit the $30,000 plateau in the effort's sixth year. Sponsor forms can be picked up at Sunshine Pool and Fitness on Old Simcoe Rd., or can be obtained by calling Mrs. Valentino at 985-7617. A Dime a Day... We All Benefit From Durham Hospital Expansion Benefiting the Regional Economy Benefiting from Excellent Staff, Nurses & Doctors "will'medn we can continue to 'provide you with the quality care you need, when you need it, close to home. But it doesn't stop there. Expanded, updated hospitals will mean access to state-of-the-art equipment and will put us in a better position to keep and attract the top quality doctors, nurses and health professionals we need | * Many of the best doctors, nurses and clinical staff in Ontario provide care to you right here in Durham now. * To care for our current patients and the Patients Benefit Most Rouge Valley For more information, call toll-free: fi 1-866-223-2438 a www.excellentcare.com Region's growing population, we have an urgent need to keep these health care professionals and to hire more. * It's an ongoing competition as every other hospital in North America tries to do the same thing. Durham Hospital Expansion - because it's the right thing to do! ' By v3) wwwilakeridgehealth.on.ca TH omimuwyrerms