Flyin' for the Kids
The Columbia Balloon Invitational brings VIVID balloons together for a charity race, including the world's first wheelchair-accessible balloon.
Published Aug. 28, 2007
A letter hangs on the wall of Gary Waldman's trailer at the Columbia Balloon Invitational, scribbled on fading yellow paper:
"To my friend 'Serena's' Mom and Dad,
"Thank you for my neat cap. I think I look really cool in it. I even have a neat hook to hang it on under my shelf. I don't get a whole lot of presents so I am really excited. Thanks for making my day a happy one. I loved my ride on your balloon too.
"Love, Serena's friend Ian."
Waldman is the creator of Serena's Song, the title given to the nation's first wheelchair-accessible hot air balloon approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. The balloon was among the many showcased this past weekend at the Columbia Balloon Invitational held at Corporate Lake. Amid the colorful images of giant parrots and Pepsi cans that took to the Columbia skies was Waldman's balloon, bright blue and fashioned with the wheelchair-accessible sign.
Waldman's daughter Serena is the inspiration behind the 105,000 cubic feet of hot air that takes wheelchair-bound people for a ride 100 feet into the sky.
Serena became the epitome of a miracle for her family. After birth, the doctors pronounced her dead. Twenty-one minutes into her death, she was to have an autopsy. But a nurse placed a roll of tape on Serena's chest, and noticed the tape moving up and down. Taking care of Serena, who had severe complications after her revival, took over Waldman's life.
"I didn't want my wife to (come home and) find her dead," Waldman said. "So I said, 'I'll quit my job and become Mr. Mom.'"
At age two, Serena boarded a hot air balloon and took flight for the very first time. Those who saw her said the experience seemed to change her.
"I had never seen her smile or laugh. You've got a child that's literally on death's doorstep, emotionless, suddenly laughing and smiling," Waldman said, of Serena's first flight. "It's a powerful thing."
Waldman and his wife decided it was something they had to do for other children with disabilities.
"If we had a hot air balloon, we could get more laughter from these kids," said Waldman. Thus, Serena's Song was born.
The specially-constructed hot air balloon was built with the assistance of Phil Gray, a hot air balloon pilot. Serena's Song flew for the first time in 1991, with Gray piloting the balloon.
"He's the man that makes the magic," Waldman said.
Serena's Song also hit home for Gray. He has a daughter with multiple sclerosis. "Gary and I both know what it's all about," Gray said, on why he wanted to take part in this mission.
Since 1991, Serena's Song has given over 20,000 flights to people who use wheelchairs. Wanda Northway participated through the House of Brokers Realty, a sponsor whose banner hangs on the basket of the balloon. Northway said her love for flying in hot air balloons propels her decision to help Serena's Song give others the same experience.
"Balloon-flying is so serene and peaceful," Northway said. "All the people who couldn't go up on one are able to. It just spoke to my heart because I know how I feel when I'm up in the balloon."
This weekend, Serena's Song gave flight to over 50 local families and their disabled loved ones at the Columbia Balloon Invitational, which was hosted by the non-profit Columbia Balloon Corporation, while other balloons in the area participated in hot air balloon competitions. The Columbia Balloon Corporation's mission, according to an online statement from the group, is to "host a premier event in Columbia that will be a positive partnership for the business community and local families."
In addition to the races, a balloon illumination was held Friday and Saturday night. All the participating balloons were blown up, but without taking off, creating a picturesque and colorful scene as the sun set over Corporate Lake.
The proceeds from the Columbia Balloon Invitational go to the University of Missouri Children's Hospital and Children's Miracle Network. From there, the money is divided between various hospital components such as research and the neonatal care unit.
"There are so many things it goes to, it's hard to pinpoint it all," said Molly Good, Children's Miracle Network development associate.
Such an extensive project calls for back-to-back months of preparation. Gary Whitby, co-event director of the Columbia Balloon Invitational, began his toil in December.
"I did everything from talking to sponsors to organizing the Port-A-Potties," he said.
Weather-watching was also at the top of the list. Originally, the event was scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, one hour before sunrise and one hour before sunset. Thursday and Friday morning did not make the final cut for balloon flying because of the cool, yet dangerous, breeze, and reports of storms in the area.
But with the weekend came dozens of balloons in the sky from sponsors including the Missouri Lottery and the Summit Lake Winery. Many had innovative designs, including one resembling a monkey's head.
In order to ride Serena's Song, children, senior citizens and other people who use wheelchairs signed up and received a sticker with a number on it. Participants such as Jackie Johnson and her eight-year-old son, Lanny, who has spina bifida, waited eagerly in the grass for their turn.
"It's just awesome," Johnson said.