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First Wheelchair-Accessible Hot Air Balloon To Take Flight In Raleigh

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RALEIGH, N.C. — An Iowa man's creation is bringing joy to children in the Triangle.

Gary Waldman's daughter, Serena, was born with cerebral palsy and showed little emotion until he took her up in a hot air balloon. For the first time, she laughed and smiled.

Waldman wanted to give other special-needs children the same feeling and created "Serena's Song," the world's first wheelchair-accessible hot air balloon.

Friday's planned rides were cancelled Friday due to severe weather in the area, but organizers hope to have rides on Saturday from approximately 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., weather permitting.

The event takes place at Spring Forest Road Park, located at 4203 Spring Forest Rd.

It is especially for children in wheelchairs, but everyone in the community is encouraged to participate.

The event is sponsored by Capital Area Transit.

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