The Brodeo is returning next week.

The third annual Brodeo is from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Each year, JoAnn and Jimmy Meaux organize an all-day event to celebrate the life of their son, Brody Meaux, who passed away at 20 due to complications from MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. This rare genetic disorder affects fewer than 5,000 people in the United States, with the majority of cases occurring in males, according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.

MECP2 Duplication Syndrome presents significant challenges, including low muscle tone during infancy, developmental delays, severe intellectual disabilities, progressive spasticity, and the gradual loss of bodily functions, often requiring lifelong care. JoAnn described the syndrome as one that impacts “every aspect of the human body.”

The Brodeo honors Brody’s memory and serves as a platform to raise awareness and understanding of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome while providing a space for fun for special needs children in Southwest Louisiana.

Hosting the event again this year feels “awesome,” she said.

“It’s gotten bigger and better,” she told the American Press. “God has sent me everything I need to make the Brodeo successful.”

About 280 students from 36 schools in Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis parishes will gather at the Burton Coliseum to participate this year. The event will be supported by 250 volunteers. This is a significant increase in students participating in the Brodeo and volunteers working to make it happen, she said.

Children attending the event will enjoy a variety of traditional rodeo activities. Upon arrival, they will be outfitted in cowboy hats, bandannas, back numbers, and stick horses to look the part. They will then participate in rodeo-themed events, including Bucking Bull, Rope the Steer, Barrels, and Poles, creating a fun and immersive experience for each student. This year, they’ll enjoy new games like new games like Snake in My Boots, Feed the Horse, and Lasso the Bull Horn.

“The main objective of the BRODEO is for children with special needs to have a joyful rodeo experience in a safe and accommodating environment that they might never get anywhere else.”

This event is hosted in conjunction with the Southwest District Livestock Show & Rodeo in Lake Charles. All extra funds raised will be donated to MECP2 Duplication Syndrome research, as well as the Brody Meaux Memorial Scholarship, an annual 4-H scholarship that is awarded to one 4-H livestock exhibitor in Calcasieu Parish.

The public is invited to watch the Brodeo for free at the Burton Coliseum, 7001 Gulf Hwy.

For more information on MECP2 Duplication Syndrome, visit www.rsrt.org.