Until, that is, someone stole the 2006 Polaris Phoenix quad from the backyard of their east-Waterdown home.

“He would go out on the quad all the time,” explained Daniel’s mother, Gail. “He’d ride the back field and visit the horses, or he’d visit his Nan, next door. He saved for his quad for six years – he saved for it and he finally got it.”

Gail noted that the four-wheeled vehicle had a special significance for her son, who is afflicted with Smith-Lemli-Opitz (SLO/RSH). The syndrome, which exhibits some traits of autism, is the result of the body’s inability to produce sufficient cholesterol. Daniel is globally and developmentally delayed, and battles internal physical problems as well. The ATV provided hours of activity, and even a taste of freedom. Since it disappeared, Daniel has been sad and frustrated, noted Gail.

“It’s been a hard lesson for him to learn,” she said. “He’s very sad and he’s been very quiet about it.”

Daniel’s ATV was parked behind the house on August 15. Gail, Daniel and his brother, Mitchell, had left to go up north for a holiday and their father, Len, was packing up the house before making the drive to join them.

“We always put it in the garage when we were going away or at night,” explained Gail, noting that there were cars in the driveway and there was still some activity around the house. “Len was putting things away to go away, and it was gone. It was right up against the back patio.”

Daniel’s helmet, which had been on the quad’s handlebars, was later located in a neighbour’s yard. The theft is out of character for the neighbourhood, said Gail. “Daniel’s grandmother has lived next door for 54 years and nothing’s ever gone missing,” she said. “I guess we’re fortunate it hasn’t happened before.”

The family, which was featured in theReview10 years ago when both boys were diagnosed with SLO/RSH, has always received so much support from the community, the theft has had a bitter sting, said Gail.

“Most of the community goes out of its way to support us and watch over them. I can’t fathom how people can be so mean,” she said. “There’s so much the community does do for the boys – that’s why this is so frustrating.”

The theft was reported, but as the ATV’s value is less than $5,000, the family isn’t holding out much hope that it will be a priority for police. They’re hoping that someone will recall something unusual or the sudden appearance of a vehicle matching the description of Daniel’s ATV. Anyone with information on Daniel’s ATV is urged to call Len at 905-518-8325.

“We’re hoping that a parent has a conscience,” Gail said. “We’ll consider a reward for its return.”