Cody NesSmith's Legacy Lives On Through Memorial Foundation and Team Roping
The impact of Cody NesSmith’s battle with Ewing Sarcoma, rare cancer primarily affecting children, continues to inspire Madison County and beyond. His sister, Kaitlyn NesSmith, expressed gratitude to our tight-knit community, saying, “My family is incredibly grateful for Madison County and everyone who loved Cody.”
The Cody NesSmith Memorial Foundation was established in 2021 to make a difference in other families' lives. The foundation raises funds to assist those in need and fulfill Cody’s dreams of sending children diagnosed with cancer on their dream trips. A life-changing donation was recently presented to a young Louisiana cowgirl, Lane Thibodeaux. Lane was diagnosed with melanoma in 2022.
Through the trials and tribulations of this diagnosis, Lane has continued to be very competitive in all aspects of the rodeo world, making the National Junior Finals in the breakaway roping and goat tying, along with winning the Texas Junior High State Finals All-around Cowgirl. The Thibodeaux family is very thankful for the generosity of the NesSmith family and The Cody NesSmith Memorial Foundation.
Cody NesSmith had a strong love for the sport of team roping, often competing in local events around his hometown of Hineston, Louisiana, as well as on grander stages such as the USTRC Cinch National Finals, where he won the #10 Preliminary in 2014. Cody’s desire to rope and ride remained strong even after his diagnosis. With the support of his family, friends, and doctors, this dream, among others, became a reality.
The Cody NesSmith Memorial Team Roping was established in 2021 in conjunction with the Memorial Foundation. Created through a dream by Cody himself, this recent event attracted over 2,439 teams, paying out a total of $695,640. This roping aims to spread love and commemorate the cowboy that Cody was. Thanks to the support of sponsors, this event has experienced rapid growth over the years.
Over $205,680 was raised to further the foundation's noble efforts. This four-day roping featured renowned names from the rodeo world, including local hero Colby Lovell from Madisonville.
Colby extended his arms, home, and roping expertise to Cody, allowing him to live out his dream of being a team roper. Madison County quickly stole Cody’s heart and became a second home, allowing him to embrace life fully.
The friendship created between Cody and Colby not only transformed Cody’s life but left an impact on Colby forever.
In December 2020, Colby Lovell shined at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, roping not just for himself but for the NesSmith family sitting in the stands. Colby passionately declared, “When I roped that steer in the 10th round, and I looked up and hollered, its not for me. I wanted Cody NesSmith to hear me.”
The memorial roping boasted over $100,000 in added prize money this year alone. Cody’s wishes were crystal clear- he wanted people to know his love for roping and to aid those in need. The Cody NesSmith Memorial Foundation and The Cody NesSmith Memorial Team Roping epitomize these aspirations.
Bobby Joe Hill, reflecting on the remarkable journey of the event, shared, “If you’re not a believer, you need to come out here and watch the things that are going on and the way things happen. I’m going to say that God and Cody NesSmith have had their hand on this event for the last three years.”
For more information about Cody’s enduring legacy and to learn more about The Cody NesSmith Memorial Foundation, please visit www.codynessmithfoundation. org.
