Shenandoah, Texas - Boy in the Plastic Bubble Exhibit

Personal items of David Vetter, the "Boy in the Plastic Bubble" immortalized in a laughable 1976 John Travolta TV movie (and further ridiculed in Disney's 2001 comedy "Bubble Boy"), will be part of a permanent exhibit in Vetter's hometown of Shenandoah, Texas. The Bubble Boy exhibit includes items provided by his parents (David Sr. is the mayor of the town).

David Joseph Vetter was born on Sept. 21, 1971 into a sterile environment set up in advance by doctors (David's older brother died the previous year from a rare immune deficiency). David was afflicted with the same Severe Combined Immune Deficiency Syndrome. With no natural defense against germs, the child grew up in a completely sterile environment, and could only be moved in a large polymer "bubble." Years passed with David in isolation and no cure for SCID Syndrome on the horizon. NASA created a sterile "spacesuit" for him, which he wore on several excursions, but spent most of his time in his home. In 1983, David underwent an experimental treatment that ultimately failed -- he died in 1984. The exhibit will chronicle his life and the impact of his unique case and treatment on medical science.

The town's new museum also tells the story of local business "Speedy Pak," and includes a 8-ft. wide wooden model of the first Speedy Pak store. [Roadsideamerica.com Team, 05/13/2005]