BoStrong Benefit Goes On Without Bo

Jeff “Bodeen” Ladd was prepared to fight.

After he learned that a debilitating pneumonia diagnosis in May turned out to be stage IV esophageal cancer in early summer, Big Daddy Bo, the father of two young sons, shook his new doctor's hand and said, "I'm here to fight. I'm glad you're on board."

He wouldn't even say the word cancer, his family said. They, and a vast group of friends, rallied to support him.

They quickly organized a benefit at  for their big-hearted, Bud Light-drinking, wing-eating, country music-loving life of the party — Jeff Ladd-style, complete with Hooters girls, the  and everything — set for Saturday, Aug. 4.

They invited his family, close friends and everybody, and made up encouraging T-shirts to sell: on the front, the words "BoStrong," on the back "Fight Like Hell." 

But the cancer that had so rapidly infiltrated his lungs, bones and vital organs didn’t give him a chance to attend.

Big Daddy Bo passed away July 27 at age 48, with a port implanted in his chest awaiting his first chemotherapy treatment. 

His lungs just couldn't sustain the amount of fight in his heart, his best brother Brian Ladd explained.

"His heart was so strong it could have gone on forever," he said.

Now his family and friends are left only to celebrate the life of a man who never met a stranger; who made some mean chicken nuggets and garlic green beans; who never skimped on the grand finale of his Fourth of July home fireworks show; who never had to place an order at his regular hangouts or Beef O'Brady's; and who could always be found rough-housing with the kids.

Uncle Bo would want them to celebrate and have a good time, because that's the kind of guy Uncle Bo was. 

So even though the party won't be the same without him, the Jeff Ladd Family Benefit at Marker 8 Tiki Bar is still a go. Proceeds are going into an education account for his two young sons Collin James, 4, and Sean Patrick, 3. 

"Life has changed," Brian Ladd said. "But the word 'Bo' in this town is gonna be around for a long, long time."

Survivors:

Jeff "Bodeen" Ladd is survived by two young sons Collin James, 4, and Sean Patrick, 3, his girlfriend of eight years Missy Borland, stepdaughter Bryanna Tarsitano, 25, younger siblings Brian Ladd and Jennifer Ditro, his parents Leland and Barbara Ladd, neices and nephews Austin and Shelby Ladd and Jordan and Brendan Ditro, and in-laws Michelle Ladd and Rob Ditro.

Want to Go?

Memorial Service

• When: Thursday, Aug. 2, 7 p.m.
• Where:

Jeff Ladd Family Benefit 

• When: Saturday, Aug. 4, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Where:  at Beso Del Sol Resort
• Details: Proceeds from BoStrong T-shirts ($10), raffles and silent auctions benefits BoStrong Donations, a fund set up for his young sons' future education.

BoStrong Donations

• Donations can be made in the name of BoStrong Donations, a fund set up for his sons' future education, at any .