Laughing beyond breast cancer with comedian Davey Bo

When an August gig was already on his calendar, the native Philadelphian took the opportunity to bring together two things that matter deeply to him: making people laugh and supporting people impacted by breast cancer.

“The timing worked out beautifully,” explains Dave, who performs as Davey Bo. “I already had the infrastructure and venue, so I had a place to begin.”

“It’s been a dream of mine,” he adds, “to use the thing I love to help other people.”

On August 19, he will host “Cancer? Hardly Even Knew Her,” featuring a line-up of performers, at 118 North in Wayne, Pennsylvania, to benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC).

Davey recently spoke with LBBC about what inspired him to organize the fundraiser, how breast cancer has affected his own family, and why comedy creates connection. He also has advice for anyone considering organizing a fundraiser of their own.

LBBC: Of all the organizations you could have chosen to support, why LBBC?

Dave: I learned about LBBC through a program at work. We donate to local nonprofit organizations. And I like that LBBC provides a strong support system to people after a cancer diagnosis.

LBBC: What’s your personal connection to breast cancer?

Dave: My older sister and my cousin had breast cancer. They’re two of the most important people in my life.

My sister was diagnosed when she was in her late thirties. I was 21, about to be deployed — I’m a Navy vet. I remember our phone call. I asked her: “Should I come home?” She wouldn’t hear of it. I was so sad, and she had to calm me down!

That’s how she is. You listen when my sister’s talking. She’s the family matriarch. My mom passed away when I was 3, and without my sister, I wouldn’t know where I would be today.

They found the cancer at an early stage, and she began treatment right away. She and my brother-in-law were also raising three kids at the time.

Left: Dave performing                                                              Right: Dave with his cousin when they were children

LBBC: That must have been a lot for them to handle. We’re glad to hear she was able to receive treatment early.

Dave: Yes! Oh, another thing about my sister — she’s tough, but she’s also the funniest person in the room.

As I said, my cousin had breast cancer, too. Growing up, she was like a sister to me. She’s gone through treatment twice. I’ve watched her go through so much with such grace. I’m proud to be related to her.

I have very strong women in my life. I’m blessed for that.

LBBC: Thank you for sharing your family’s story with us. What is it about comedy that speaks to you?

Dave: The first time I talked on stage about losing my mom to suicide, it was the most freeing experience I’d ever had. I realized that when you laugh about your most tragic experiences, it doesn’t diminish them. And there’s going to be somebody else out there who’s been through something similar. We all just want to be seen.

LBBC: That’s so true. How did you get into performing?

Dave: I used to work at Christopher’s, a restaurant just a few doors down from 118 North. About three years ago, a friend suggested I put on a comedy show, and Chris and Molly, who own Christopher’s, helped connect me with the people at 118 North. We’ve been producing shows there ever since.

LBBC: What steps did you take to put the event together?

Dave: I had the show and venue booked since the beginning of the year. So I started by asking the owners of 118 North if we could turn it into a benefit for LBBC. They agreed to donate their share of the ticket proceeds.

Chris and Molly reached out to local businesses about contributing to a raffle. The comedians are donating their time, too. Another friend Oli designed the flyer and came up with the name of the show.

I came up with the initial idea, but so many people have helped me turn it into something bigger.

LBBC: Was it hard to ask people for help?

Dave: It can be scary to reach out, especially when you’ve never done something like this before. I’ve learned, though, that asking for help doesn’t make you a burden.

LBBC: What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about organizing a fundraiser?

Dave: Don’t be scared to reach out to people. If someone says no, go to the next person to ask for help. Don’t let “no” stop you. If you want to do something to help other people, you just have to do it.

You may be surprised by how many people want to be part of something that helps others.

Comedy for cancer

Support LBBC and have a good laugh while you’re at it. Join Davey Bo when he hosts “Cancer? Hardly Even Knew Her,” at 118 North in Wayne, Wednesday, August 19. All proceeds go to LBBC.