Serena’s Song: The World’s First Wheelchair Accessible Hot-Air Balloon!
Written by admin2 on July 31st, 2009Filed under: Themes, Wheelchairman of the Board
Serena’s Song is the World’s First Wheelchair Accessible Hot-Air Balloon approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Since its first launch in 1985, Serena’s Song has carried over 15,000 disabled passengers over countless miles, all over the U.S. (And, recently, the balloon celebrated a milestone as it took its first Canadian flight—in Ashburn, Ontario—to help WindReach Farm celebrate its 20th anniversary!)
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About Serena’s Song:
The balloon was named for Serena Waldman, now 23 years old, who suffered complications during birth. When Serena was two, her father Gary received an invitation to give Serena a ride in a hot air balloon. Her reaction was priceless! Up until then, Serena was emotionless and unable to speak; indeed, Gary was uncertain how much of the world his daughter was absorbing. But as the balloon soared upwards, Serena screamed with delight. It was then that Gary decided to commit his life to re-creating that experience for other persons with disabilities. He bought a balloon and named it Serena’s Song. Since that time, Gary, and his partner Phil Gray (who is also the balloon’s creator and pilot) have travelled across the U.S., bringing Serena’s Song to numerous communities and balloon festivals, and in doing so, bringing inspiration to thousands of disabled people.
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For more, visit serenassong.com
Or…
Click here to view photos and videos
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