Blimp Visit
July 20, 1998 
Richmond, Indiana
For two hospitalized youngsters, the SANYO blimp became an “up close and personal” experience on the weekend of this year’s Indianapolis 500 race. The blimp, visiting Indianapolis for the race, was tethered at the nearby Mount Comfort Airport.
Billie Widgett, a 9-year-old girl who had received a stem cell transplantation, and Laura Hubbard, a 12-year-old girl recently diagnosed with leukemia, and their families were brought to the blimp from the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis at the invitation of SANYO-Verbatim CD Company. They got on board, toured the gondola, and learned about the operation of the airship from one of its pilots. Weather conditions prevented the blimp from taking off.
“This outing provided a positive experience at a time when there is a great deal of stress in the families,” said Mary Ann Underwood of Riley Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics. “When so much happens that separates members of the family from each other, the SANYO-Verbatim air trip allowed the family to enjoy themselves.”
Ross Josephson, Manager of Internal Sales and Corporate Marketing at SANYO-Verbatim, met the families at the airport. “The visit of the SANYO blimp allowed us to reach out to the community,” he said. “Helping these children and their families have a good time is part of our wider effort to be good neighbors.”
To obtain further information on this news release, contact Ross Josephson, sales and marketing manager.
Phone: 800.704.7648
Fax: 765.935.0174
