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PALMYRA, MO. -- "It's a way to give back and raise a little money for Muscular Dystrophy." Joel Anderson said. "There's a real need out there. We hope that someday there will be a cure for this awful disease so parents won't have to go through losing a child."

A scenario Joel Anderson and his family know to well.

"Two years ago we lost our son Chase to Muscular Dystrophy," Anderson said.

Chase was only months away from turning 17. After he passed away Joel and his family wanted to do something in his honor. A rodeo seemed like the perfect idea. Chase was always a cowboy at heart.

"Chase rode early on when he physically could do so," Anderson said. "Later on his muscles became so weak that he couldn't do that but he enjoyed watching his older sister compete at all the rodeos and was definitely a big participant there."

The first Chase Anderson MDA Memorial Rodeo was held last year at Rockin A Arena in Palmyra. Anderson said the event was packed.

"We has perfect weather, great local support and overrunning crowds," Anderson said. "The building was plentiful. Palmyra, Hannibal and Quincy the entire region here is just great. They really come out and support."

A sight, Anderson knows his son would have loved to see.

"He would be in awe and having a good time running around in his wheel chair watching the great events," Anderson said.

The Chase Anderson Memorial Rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday at the Rockin A Arena in Palmyra.

See Kristen learn how to ride a horse at the Rockin A Arena, here.