Utah couple dying from stage 4 cancer granted final balloon wish
OREM (KUTV) — Marvin and Penny Hardy are pioneers in the balloon industry, starting the first-ever balloon magic book in the early 1980s.
Be sure to check out our photo gallery above to see photos from their balloon-build send-off.
The couple live at Trees Assisted Living Center in Orem and their dying wish is to have a large balloon build in their honor.
“She’s been the greatest blessing of my life, and we’re having a race to see who dies first,” Marvin said.
RELATED: Photo gallery of Marvin and Penny Hardy's balloon creations.
Magician Shan Ingleby decided to step in and help organize volunteers to decorate their assisted living center with 5,000 balloons for the Hardys.
“This very well may be their last Valentine’s together,” Ingleby said.
“I published two books in 1983 and she was the typesetter and that’s how we met,” Marvin said. “We’ve been married for 35 years and she’s been with me from the beginning.”
Volunteers came from all over the world to help construct the massive project out of balloons to give the couple a big "send-off," which was Marvin and Penny's dying wish.
Marvin and Penny were ecstatic to see all the balloons.
“This is one of the greatest memories of my life. We’re absolutely thrilled,” Marvin said.
"Under the name "Balloon Magic," Marvin developed the first balloon figure kit, combining a book of instructions, a hand pump, and a package of balloons," Hardy's Balloon Magic website states. "In addition, he authored the first hard-bound book of balloon sculpture instructions, and the first manual of balloon decorating techniques to be published anywhere in the world"
According to their website, the couple are active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
They "regularly present Firesides and other special programs to church groups wherever they travel," their website states. "They use Balloons and Magic to reinforce their Gospel message."
"Marvin and Penny have developed many of the balloon decorating techniques that are in use within the balloon industry as well as a worldwide reputation as multi-lingual lecturers and instructors, generously sharing their expertise with audiences wherever they go," according to their website.
"They regularly taught at Balloon, Clown, and Magician conventions throughout the World and are as quick to demonstrate advanced techniques to skilled professionals as they are to teach basic twists to children and beginners."