1932 Ford Roadster raises awareness
of Young-onset Parkinson’s Disease


(January 26, 2024) LOS ANGELES — When custom Hot Rod builder Shawn Killion contacted non-profit foundation Drive Toward a Cure to merge their version of Cars and Camaraderie with his support for Parkinson’s, his latest ‘build’ of a 1932 Ford Roadster ‘Speedway Special’ was key to both entities bringing awareness to Young-onset Parkinson’s Disease. 

Killion’s roadster is set to debut at the Feb. 2-4, 2024 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, Calif., within the Speedway Motors display area in Building #4, and is expected to be auctioned off later in the year in an effort to raise funds for Drive Toward a Cure’s newest initiative supporting Young-onset Parkinson’s Disease.

“After speaking with the Parkinson’s Foundation and learning that Drive Toward a Cure had been a longtime donor benefitting patient care specifically, it was a no-brainer to team together,” said Killion.  “The Foundation has earned a national reputation for involvement within the automotive community at large to spread awareness for Parkinson’s disease, while raising a significant amount of funds.”

Killion’s 31-year-old son Kieran had been diagnosed with Young-onset Parkinson’s two years prior and it was a goal for Killion to align with an organization that could support the needs of younger individuals that are challenged by the chronic disease. 

“As most parents know, you always want to help your child — but once they’ve grown, they often get more independent,” expressed Killion. “So, by donating my time, money and effort and aligning within the world I know best, I’m hoping to help in other ways that can benefit Kieran and those that are similarly challenged.”

Over the past several years, Drive Toward a Cure has created its own "Special Assistance" and "Asset to Care" grant giving programs and for 2024, thanks to the generosity of Shawn Killion, will be adding a ‘Young-onset Parkinson’s’ initiative to its collective giving efforts.

According to Deb Pollack, founder of Drive Toward a Cure and longtime automotive executive, her foundation has taken to the roads since 2016, partnering with car clubs, groups, organizations and individuals to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s nationwide, with more than $1 million raised for both research and patient care.

“We’ve been on a mission to spread awareness for Parkinson’s while supporting specific directives,” said Pollack.  “If we can make a difference in any individual Parkinson patient’s life, whether by providing scholarships that can offer fitness and nutrition programs, financial assistance after catastrophic situations, or creating resources for caregiver assistance, we’ve moved a mountain.”