Originally published August 30, 2014
WCVB NewsCenter5, Mansfield, MA – Two teenagers fighting for their lives took the ride of a lifetime Sunday morning.
The Boston-area teenagers with serious illnesses enjoyed a trip aboard the MetLife “Snoopy” blimp thanks to the Believe in Tomorrow Foundation.
“It meant the world to me, I love being in the air and I always wanted to be a pilot,” said 17-year-old Jason Foster, of Brookfield, who is recovering from leukemia. “It was a great experience; I wish I could do it again.”
Michelle Farnsworth of Leominster said the rides at Mansfield airport are an opportunity to leave her problems behind and be a kid again.
“When you are in the hospital it is not very fun,” said the 15-year-old, who is battling rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of muscle cancer. “[The ride] helps with the recovery and stuff and is just something fun and awesome to do.”
Kids battling illnesses are given these rides almost every week as the blimp travels around the country. It’s the same blimp used to provide aerials of major sporting events.
“It’s more rewarding getting to take the kids up,” Blimp crew leader Bret Viets said. “It’s a great feeling to get them out here and do something fun.”
Foster said the day in the sky raised his spirits.
“It doesn’t make me feel normal, but it makes me feel better,” he said.