The Story of Serena's Song

Serena's Song is the World's First Wheelchair Accessible Hot-Air Balloon approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Since its humble beginning in 1985, Serena's Song has carried over 15,000 disabled passengers over countless miles, all over the U.S.

The balloon was named for Serena, now 23 years old, who suffered complications during birth. When Serena was two, her father Gary Waldman 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.

Veolia Transportation (formerly Connex ATC) became involved in 2001 when the demise of Serena’s Song was imminent without the financial backing of a national sponsor.

Veolia Transportation signed on as the national sponsor by providing Serena’s Song with a new van, overhauling the trailer and agreeing to sponsor Serena’s Song events at Veolia Transportation locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Serena’s Song has provided a unique and meaningful experience to thousands of people across the U.S.