Santa rides in style to visit sick children at NIH

This little redhead received several gifts from Santa. (Michelle Basch/WTOP)
Montgomery County Police Corporal John Howard added some extras to his uniform for the occasion. A fellow officer painted Howard and his wife's initials on his face. (Michelle Basch/WTOP)
Santa poses with 7-year-old Isabella. (Michelle Basch/WTOP)
Santa pulls up to The Children's Inn on a Montgomery County Police motorcycle.(Michelle Basch/WTOP)
This little girl poses with Santa next to his ride. (Michelle Basch/WTOP)
Santa parks his Harley as seriously ill children and parents look on. (Michelle Basch/WTOP)
Kaitlyn, 15, shops in the Children's Inn's gift shop where kids could pick out gifts at no charge to give family members. Police officers then helped the kids wrap their gifts. (Michelle Basch/WTOP)
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Michelle Basch, wtop.com

BETHESDA, Md. – The Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus, made a trip to Bethesda Wednesday night to visit kids who are battling serious health problems.

Santa rode in not on a sleigh but on a Harley Davidson motorcycle, and Montgomery County motorcycle cops replaced the reindeer.

With lights and sirens blaring, the crew arrived at the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a place where sick kids can do “kid stuff” while they’re getting treatment. Both the children and their parents can stay at the inn.

Seven-year-old Isabella said it was a good day because “Santa came” to bring lots of presents. She was also expecting a visit from the Tooth Fairy after a losing a tooth during surgery.

“It’s amazing, just for Santa to be here with all these kids,” said 15-year- old Kaitlyn. She’s scheduled for surgery Friday to remove a tumor.

The children got to hop on Santa’s lap next to the Inn’s fireplace and talk with him about their lives.

Each child received several presents from Santa’s gift sack, including a stuffed animal and a glow-in-the-dark necklace.

The kids also got to “Shop with a Cop” at the Inn’s “Gingerbread Gift Shop” where they could pick out presents – at no charge – to give family members.

Turns out there’s a reason Santa can really relate to the kids at the Children’s Inn, revealed Police Sergeant Tom Harmon.

“Santa Claus is a cancer survivor.”

Follow @mbaschWTOP and @WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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