It's not often we come across someone who is so dedicated to a cause that they are considered for the Hero of the Year Award.

Randy Hopper is one of those people.  His dedication to raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association has garnered him a nomination for Hero of the Year.

Randy has run the MDA Ride For Life for several years.  It's an annual motorcycle ride raising funds specifically for the MDA.  He also uses a whole week of vacation to help run the MDA Summer  Camp.

I had the opportunity to visit the camp this year, and what those counselors do for the kids is amazing.  The camp does a few things to help the "campers".  First, it's a time for the kids to be kids.  They get to play games, paint, do arts and crafts, eat, sing, perform skits; there was even a football game (the campers in wheelchairs were pushed around the field by their counselor).  The other benefit of camp is that it gives the family a break.  Many of these kids' primary caregivers are their parents (or other close family member).  It gives those caregivers a "break" for a week, so-to-speak.

So, for Acadiana's "Hero of the Year" Award, I ask that you vote for Randy Hopper.  Each vote will cost you, though:  a minimum donation of $5 to the MDA is required for you to vote.  Don't worry, EVERY dollar donated through the voting process will go to the MDA.

Here is the list of the wonderful people who are up for the award.  Please consider voting for Randy and sharing this story!

More From 99.9 KTDY