Cameron resident raising funds for MDA

By Lindsey Vaculin

General Manager 

A young Cameron man isn’t letting anything get in his way and hopes to raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

You may have seen Cody Schoppe and his 1993 Ford Mustang Ugly Betty out around town. Schoppe is raising funds through Project Maynardstang to help find a cure and for future studies of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Schoppe graduated from C.H. Yoe High in 2015 and is beginning his journey in college by working towards a degree in graphic design at Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton.

“I have a neuromuscular disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,” he said. “Around the age of five my parents started noticing that something was not right. They noticed that I got up off the ground a little different than most people. When my parents found out what I had their hearts broke, but they knew with a positive attitude we could surpass any challenges that Duchenne put in the way. I have had many obstacles, however they have not slowed me down.”

Duchenne is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy. Duchenne is incurable, and it affects all the muscles in the body including the heart and the lungs. 

Ever since his diagnosis with DMD Schoppe has attended many walks, marches, and events to help raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The last walk he participated in was in September in Waco. He has also appeared on TV several times on the Labor Day Telethon raising funds for the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

With Project Maynardstang he plans on using Ugly Betty to help raise money for finding a cure, and the study of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He will be hosting cruise nights in Cameron to raise money and he will be collecting donations at any car show he is at with Ugly Betty.

You can find out more information about Project Maynardstang or donate at projectmaynardstang.com.