Nick Townsend and son Gavin work on their 1969 Corvette at last week’s inaugural annual Premiere Autosports car show, held at the Noroton Heights train station. (Darien Times/Kristen Riolo)
It was only after Darien Autobody and Premiere Autosport owner Bill Elam lost his son, William, to epilepsy three years ago that he realized how often young people die from the disorder.
William was 23 and planning his fifth year of architecture school when he lost his battle with epilepsy.
Elam began researching epilepsy and decided to make it his mission to raise that awareness.
“There is not much exposure for epilepsy like there is for, for example, cancer,” he said.
Elam’s hope is to raise money for research through his son’s memorial foundation, the William J. Elam Epilepsy Foundation, and last Sunday’s first car, truck and bike show held by Premiere Autosport raised money for that cause.
Elam has also patented and trademarked the phrase “Long life,” and plans to create rubber bracelets similar to Lance Armstrong’s “Live Strong” campaign. He hopes to have them include medical alert symbols indicating a possible need by the wearer.
Though the foundation doesn’t have a website yet, Elam said anyone interested in contributing to the foundation or seeking more information can contact him through Darien Autobody or Premiere Autosport.
More info: 655-2591 or visit premiereautosport.com
