Thomas Sullivan's 2015 Kenworth T680 is a rolling awareness campaign for Lowe Syndrome. Since so many children affected by the condition wear sunglasses, the truck features specs all over it, and each pair is accompanied by the name of a child who suffers with the condition. The truck also features numerous custom touches related to Lowe Syndrome -- the grille, for instance, features sunglasses-shaped cut-outs.
Truck shows start up for a variety of reasons, some simply for fun and fellowship among the trucking community, others to raise money for a specific charity, and much more in between.
The Show for Lowe’s, now in its fourth year, launched with a charitable purpose. Hamilton, Alabama-based owner-operator Thomas Sullivan, who calls the show more of a “cruise in” than a truck show, started it in 2021 to raise money and awareness for the Lowe Syndrome Association.
It's a rare genetic condition, typically found only in males, that can affect the eyes, brain and kidneys; muscle growth; and more. It affects approximately 1 in 500,000 people. Sullivan’s son, Waylon, was born with Lowe Syndrome in December 2018.
Thomas Sullivan started the Waylon Sullivan Foundation after his son, Waylon (pictured), was born with Lowe Syndrome. The foundation helps other families with children diagnosed with Lowe Syndrome.
Owner-operator Sullivan said his son was born with cataracts, the first red flag. “After a lot of genetic testing, it was determined he had Lowe Syndrome,” he said. “Each kid, it varies on how severe Lowe Syndrome is.”
