I’m riding in the PMC in support of my good friend B and in memory of Laurie Bilodeau who lost her battle with cancer in 2020 at the age of 32.

In 2014, my heart sank when B informed me that he was diagnosed with cancer. He battled the tumor in his leg with everything he had, but the treatments seemed to have no effect. Ultimately, Bee had to make the difficult decision to have his leg amputated at the hip in order to survive. Throughout the entire process, he maintained a tremendous attitude and inspired everyone around him. He even threw his leg a going away party!

The loss of his leg has obviously impacted his life, but B has not allowed it to impact his quality of life. He found a passion for sled hockey and he became an ambassador for the sport in Massachusetts. He’s practiced with the US Men’s National sitting volleyball team, and he also spent some time as a member of the New England Revolution amputee soccer team.

The day he learned that he would be losing his leg, he vowed to ride in the PMC on a hand bike as soon as he was able. This came to fruition in 2016 when we rode the second leg (B always appreciates a good pun) of the PMC from Bourne to Provincetown and we’ve been riding ever since.

Laurie was an incredible person, although I rarely called her Laurie. It was always Billy, Bubbles, BillyBubbleDo, or Barracuda. She had a quick wit, sassy personality, infectious laugh, and she brought out the best in everyone around her. She was a pleasure to coach in volleyball during High School and I was happy that she kept in touch throughout college and into her professional life. I’d receive an occasional text asking for advice on how to manage certain situations and we’d pick up as if no time had passed since our last contact. I have no doubt that it will be the same when I see her again some day in the distant future.

Excerpt from Laurie’s obituary:

“Laurie Joanne Bilodeau, 32, of Maynard, formerly of Westborough, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2020 with loving family by her side after a courageous battle against cancer.

Laurie was an Administrative Manager for the Neurology Foundation and Sleep Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. Laurie was known across the hospital as a kind, selfless, and talented leader who always put her colleagues, patients and families first. Laurie was the recipient of the Boston Children’s Hospital “Bravo! in Excellence” award in January 2020, noting her accomplishments and contributions to the hospital’s mission.

The world lost a beautiful soul and she will be dearly missed by all.”

In closing, I was honored when B asked me to ride with him back in 2016 and I will proudly ride with him, and in memory of Laurie, going forward. If you're interested in riding with us (in Bee's Swarm) you can email me at spida333@hotmail.com. Otherwise, please donate what you can knowing that 100% of your donation will go directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute to fund cancer research. Thank you!!!

The following are family members and names from donors for whom I'm also riding in honor of or in memory of:

Rose and Ted Langevin

Rolande and Ray Langevin

Uncle Ronnie Langevin

Capt. Robert E. Raisch

Beth

Michelle Weil