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About Cody

Cody was an exceptional individual who faced numerous health challenges throughout his life, including congenital heart disease, a seizure disorder, autism, and various other conditions. Despite these obstacles, he never allowed his struggles to define him or diminish his spirit. Cody possessed an extraordinary ability to remember birthdays, anniversaries, and the people he loved, even when short-term memory sometimes eluded him. His unwavering faith in God, love for his family, passion for music, and dedication to the Arkansas Razorbacks formed the pillars of his existence.

Gifted with a remarkable talent for singing, Cody could beautifully sing the contents of a phone book, yet occasionally struggled with simple tasks like tying his shoes. He possessed a keen sense of morality and never allowed his medical hardships to embitter him or dampen his enthusiasm for life. Each day, he confronted his challenges head-on and gave his utmost effort.

As a student at Pellissippi State Community College, Cody encountered academic difficulties but remained resolute in his pursuit of a degree, driven by his desire to support children during their hospital stays. Having personally endured a total of three years in hospitals, undergoing multiple heart surgeries and other procedures, Cody intimately understood the isolation and hardship of spending holidays and breaks "behind bars," as he would articulate. From his first hospitalization, music played a pivotal role in his life, with his grandmother providing a tape player and children's music tapes to distract, comfort, and bring him joy. In 2009, Cody's hospital stays introduced him to music therapists who employed an organized approach to enhance his quality of life during those challenging times.

To honor Cody's memory and actualize his dream, this scholarship fund and not-for-profit organization aims to support high school and college students pursuing a career in music therapy. Should fundraising efforts surpass our objectives, the funds may be allocated to bolster music therapy programs within children's hospitals. Rest assured, 100% of your donations will be directed to this fund, as Cody's family assumes responsibility for all fundraising expenses.

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