CHICAGO -- When over 100,000 balloons fell from the rafters at United Center Thursday night, one South Bend woman felt a deeper sense of pride than the average attendee. 

South Bend business owner Jennifer Nyikos was honored as one of 55 balloon artists from across North America that were asked to organize balloons for the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago earlier this week. 

Not only was Nyikos proud of the work done by her and her fellow balloon artists, she was proud of the reason she answered the call to help with the project: her friend Tommy Delorenzo.

Delorenzo is the owner of Balloons by Tommy in Chicago and is currently battling cancer.

"As the convention drew to a close, the balloons served as a reminder of us coming together in times of need, transcending the political stage to highlight the human connections that truly makes these events amazing," Nyikos said.

Nyikos operates "Fun By The Yard" balloon decorating service with her colleague Treb Heining in South Bend. 

Fun By The Yard

After getting the call from DNC organizers, Nyikos and team quickly assembled in Chicago, forming the Volunteer Balloons by Tommy DNC Balloon Crew, "determined to lift the spirits of a man who has given so much to the industry," Nyikos said.

Organizers said the artists’ willingness to set politics aside and step away from their own commitments and businesses at the drop of a dime demonstrated the profound impact Delorenzo has had on their lives.

“The balloon drop at the Democratic National Convention not only represented a celebration of the event but also a testament to the strength and love of the balloon decorating industry," Nyikos said.