CHURUBUSCO, Ind. – The Churubusco Lion’s Club donated time and material to the Shepler family to build a ramp for Jonathan Shepler who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in 2006.

DMD is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic, degenerative diseases primarily affecting voluntary muscles. Caused by an absence of dystrophin, a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact, it is the most common form and affects only boys, with the onset commonly diagnosed at 2 to 6 years of age.

Many local people and businesses were also involved in the construction of the ramp, including J.R. Ford of Do It Best Eagle Lumber & Hardware. Cement screws were donated by Heartland Industrial Supply Corp of Elkhart and Adam Gump supplied the cement drill and auger to dig the holes for the post supports.

Jonathan is the son of Mark and Jodi Shepler of Churubusco and attends Churubusco Elementary School. He was the recipient of a CES Spotlight on Success award and was honored for his positive attitude at a school board meeting last fall.

Jonathan loves to watch his brother, Blake, play baseball. Other activities Jonathan enjoys include playing with his trains and cars, and watching the Chicago Cubs and the Fort Wayne Komets.

(front) Blake & Jonathan Shepler (back l to r) Sandy Gaff, Ron Davis, Mark Shepler, Jodi (Gump) Shepler, Herb Gaff

The finished ramp after Mark and Ron Davis spent 5-days and nearly 40 hours constructing the ramp