Fair victim writes message to friend

PENDLETON, Ind. (The Herald Bulletin) - A friend of one of the people injured during the stage rigging collapse at the Indiana State Fair got a special message over the weekend.

When Kendra Stock went to visit Andrea Vellinga, who is recovering from head injuries, the collapse victim wrote a message on a white board, 24-Hour News 8’s news partner, The Herald Bulletin , reports.

Vellinga has been recovering for weeks. The collapse happened on Aug. 13. It caused Vellinga to be in a coma for five weeks. So while Stock was visiting her slow-awakening friend Saturday, she asked Vellinga if she knew who she was.

The newspaper reports Vellinga wrote on a white board, “Kendra,” followed by, “Best friend.”

"I started sobbing hysterically," Stock told the newspaper . "She then had a sad face and I said, 'No, no, I'm not sad. I'm happy!'"

The wife and mother's recovery continues. When she leaves her room at a rehabilitation facility for therapy, she wears a special pink helmet adorned with butterflies. It was picked out by her 4-year-old daughter.

Vellinga, 30, of Pendleton, has attracted significant community support as she recovers from her injuries. Her friends plan to wear pink and appear in the Pendleton Heights High School homecoming parade in downtown Pendleton at 6 p.m. Friday. At the homecoming football game, items will be sold and balloons will be released in her honor.

On Saturday, a large fundraiser has been planned for Vellinga. The outdoor festival will have live entertainment, free kids games, food, auctions and a blood drive. It's from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. It's at Pendleton Heights High School.