Saugus Survivor holding benefit in sister’s memory

SAUGUS – He lost 38 pounds competing on “Survivor: Worlds Apart,” partied in Las Vegas with New England Patriots players and now Rodney Lavoie Jr. is back in his native Saugus organizing a fundraising benefit in the memory of his late sister.The 25-year-old former Item All-Star football player started the Natalie Lives On Foundation, Inc. to help enhance substance abuse awareness and provide educational opportunities to end addiction.Lavoie said his “Rodney Bowl,” planned for Aug. 1 at Town Line Luxury Lanes in Malden, will feature 25 “Survivor” contestants from several of the reality show’s seasons with afternoon bowling and evening chances to meet the “Survivor” stars.Lavoie, son of Rodney Sr. and Kathleen Barressi Lavoie, said a letter written by his late sister, Natalie, and quoted to him by his sister, Rachel, inspired him when the going got tough on the “Survivor” Season 30 set.”On the show, with the lack of sleep and the hunger, I would look up in the sky and ask her for strength,” he said.A 2007 Saugus High School graduate, Lavoie studied exercise physiology at Bridgewater State College. His sister died in 2011 – his senior year at Bridgewater – and he stayed focused on his studies even as he mourned her.He worked as a personal trainer after graduating and answered a 2012 Boston casting call for the reality show, “The Hero,” where he met casting producer Caitlin Moore, who plucked him out of the audition crowd for a shot at “Survivor.””She basically stole me – I was recruited for the show,” he said.Lavoie said he had “never seen an episode of ?Survivor'” before entering the casting and preparation process for the show. He studied “Survivor” episodes, boosted his workouts and reduced his food intake to prepare for what he realized would be a grueling competition. Initially picked and then passed over along with his father for “Survivor Blood vs Water,” Lavoie started filming “Worlds Apart” last July in Nicaragua with other “Survivor” cast members.Dubbed “Boston Rodney,” he let an image of himself as a dim-witted guy getting by as a contractor hide his college education and what he described as a natural ability to get along with almost anyone.”The reason I was good is I can connect with all types of people of different cultures,” he said.Lavoie said he had a reputation as a hustler in Saugus High that translated into success on “Survivor.””It’s a social game – it’s what I do best,” he said.He is still angry about the final four fire-making challenge that eliminated him from the show.”They have only held it four times in 30 seasons. Rodney did not get outplayed and outlasted,” he said.The loss did not dampen his spirits or keep him from enjoying Las Vegas or watching every season 30 episode. His late sister’s inspiration during “Survivor” filming prompted him to focus on raising money to fight addiction.”The reason why I am doing this is because everyone out there can relate to someone who is struggling,” he said.For more information on Lavoie’s foundation, visit www.rodneybowl.eventbrite.com.