Car event creates community for Project Alive families

NOLENSVILLE, TN – The second annual Cars & Cures Car Show brought together more than 70 car collectors of all kinds along with community members to support Project Alive in its effort to find a cure for Hunter syndrome. The event raised more than $7,000 for the organization, which includes two Tennessee families whose sons suffer from the genetic disease.

The event, which took place Sept. 28 at Mill Creek Automotive and Mill Creek Brewery, was the idea of Albert Ayotte, owner of Mill Creek Automotive. His neighbors’ three children were affected by Hunter syndrome, and he felt compelled to do something to help Project Alive find a cure for the disease, so he started the event last year.

“We had a great turn out of cars for the show and we also had tremendous support for the sponsors this year. I’m so touched that we can continue to come together as a community in Nolensville and support Project Alive and its quest to find a cure for Hunter syndrome,”

Ayotte said.

Ayotte worked with Project Alive board members to plan and organize the event. Project Alive President Dr. Kim Stephens attended with her son Cole, who suffers from Hunter syndrome, as did Project Alive Founder Melissa Hogan. Her son Case, who suffers from Hunter syndrome, also attended. Both Cole and Case selected the “Boys Choice” award winning car for the show.

“We are so grateful for all the car enthusiasts and community supporters coming out for a great event. It was a great day of fun, music and great food. Events such as this bring us closer to finding a cure for our boys,” Stephens said.

The non-profit foundation Project Alive was formed by Hunter syndrome parents from across the country. They have, to date, raised more than $2.3 million for research and to fund the development of a gene therapy drug researchers believe could cure the disease. The clinical trial at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio is now in the final stages of a safety study before it begins.

Local businesses rallied to support the first Cars & Cures events. Sponsors included: NAPA Auto Parts, Streetside Classics, Succentrix Business Advisors, The Michael Brown Team at Churchill Mortgage, New Life Chiropractic, Bellex, Inc., Sterling Card Solutions, Numotion Foundation, and Freedom Tire.