Ready, set, go: Parents make race car to raise awareness about son's disease

A Bergen Beach family created a race car to spread awareness about their son's incurable brain disease.

Dean Wilson was diagnosed with hydrocephalus when he was just 4 months old. The condition causes excess fluid on the brain.

Julia and Bennett Wilson says doctors told them he would need brain surgery immediately or he would die.

"Our whole world came crashing down," Julia said.

Dean had three surgeries in less than two months, but still has to undergo extensive physical occupation and behavioral therapies.

One day, the couple's minivan wouldn't start so Bennett had the idea to turn it into a race car.

"We knew we needed to make something visible that has a backstory that gets people to look at it," Bennett said.

The couple along with their colleagues and friends unveiled the Hydrocephalus Racing Van about a year ago. It has competed in two races so far.

Julia and Bennett say they hope the van will spread awareness to help find a cure for their son's disease.