Child Rides Balloon With Backstreet Boy

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Oct 09, 2001 Source: Albuquerque Journal Submitted By: Gina Cates by Chris Ramirez - Journal Staff Writer Zachary Prestby, 5, had two requests of the Make-A-Wish Foundation — to ride a train and to fly in a balloon. But Backstreet Boys singer Kevin Richardson gave him a trifecta Sunday at the Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The pair went aloft together, waving to grounded onlookers amid screams and wails during the fiesta's mass ascension. Squealing fans, mainly teen-age girls, clamored around the small balloon as Richardson signed autographs. Cries for the 29-year-old singer got even louder as the balloon slowly lifted off from the grass field. Richardson waved and pumped the peace sign. "We love you," one girl shouted. Albuquerque pilot Scott Appelman, who runs Rainbow Ryders balloon company, controlled the balloon. The mega boy band was in town to perform a concert at the Journal Pavilion later Sunday. Zachary's flight was coordinated by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Zachary, of Bonduel, Wis., was diagnosed in February with leukemia, his mother Suann Prestby said. He is in remission but still receives chemotherapy. Cynthia Baca, development director for Make-A-Wish in New Mexico, said Richardson's appearance aboard the balloon wasn't coordinated by the foundation. But it was a welcome surprise to Zachary's family, several of whom are Backstreet fans. "It's a big bonus," Suann Prestby said. Family members were quick to grant Zachary's first wish — to ride a train to Albuquerque. His second wish was to fly in a fiesta balloon. Richardson said he was touched by the boy's courage. Before the balloon was aloft, Richardson, sporting a wool beanie cap and large shades, took time to sign autographs and wave to fans. "I had no idea it would be this big of an event," Richardson said. Meanwhile, a British-American team held the lead Sunday night as the America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race moved across Kansas and Oklahoma. Julian Nott and Phil McNutt were in first place north of Enid, Okla., according to a race map released by the fiesta. In second was the U.S. team of Sam Parks and Johnny Pretehn, west of Enid. Eleven of the original 19 gas balloons that took off Saturday remained aloft as of 7 p.m. Sunday, and seven were down and out of the race, fiesta spokesman Tom Garrity said. Comment on this item. Next Item: BSB Taking Part in "United We Stand" in Washington, DC Prev Item: 'N Sync, Backstreet: United They Sing