Rodney Lavoie Jr. next to a memorial for his sister, Natalie, showing a tattoo to her that he read quite often to help him get through the Survivor show. Item Photo by Owen O’Rourke
By Bill Brotherton
SAUGUS — Losing the million-dollar prize on CBS’ hit reality show “Survivor” might be the best thing that ever happened to Rodney Lavoie Jr. It’s certainly been the best thing to happen to the many people in need whose lives have been enriched by Lavoie’s charitable efforts.
“There were 39 days on the island (to win). I was there 38 and a half. I came so, so close,” said Lavoie, who was a contestant on spring 2015’s Nicaragua-based “Survivor: Worlds Apart.” “‘Survivor’ changed me, for the better. It opened my mind to so many new things.
“If I won the million dollars, I could easily have burned through the money quickly. I certainly wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now.”
These days, the Saugus High graduate works with Reliance Treatment Centers in Florida and is director of Bullies Reality Foundation, a nonprofit assisted by more than 100 celebrities who come together to help children and families in need.
On Oct. 8, Lavoie will host Rodney Bowl 2 at Town Line Luxury Lanes in Malden. All proceeds will benefit the Bullies Reality Foundation. Participants who will bowl and greet fans include former cast members of such reality shows as “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race,” “Big Brother” and “Naked and Afraid.” They are paying their own way to Massachusetts, to support their friend Lavoie and his cause.
A family tragedy also played a huge role in Lavoie’s “Survivor” success and his subsequent charity work: the drug-related death of his sister Natalie five years ago.
The muscular, heavily inked Lavoie has a tattoo on his left bicep that reads, “Dear Natalie, even though I’ll never see you again, you’ll always be my big sister. Love Bubba,” her nickname for her baby brother. Lavoie admits those words got him through his “Survivor” experience, during which his weight fell from 180 to 147 pounds and parasites further wreaked havoc with his body.
“We found her dead, Rodney and me,” said his dad, Rodney Lavoie Sr., a lifelong Saugonian who owned the Ballard Restaurant. “She was a very good athlete, one of the first girls to play American Little League baseball. She played softball in a women’s league in Saugus. She was addicted to drugs, got clean for nine years, had surgery and during her seven months recovery got addicted again. … She was a good kid. You’re not supposed to bury your children.”
In the winter, when the trees are bare, the Lavoies can stand at the kitchen sink and see Natalie’s gravesite in Riverside Cemetery just beyond their backyard.
A permanent reminder also rests near the entryway of their Auburn Street home, in front of the window in the room that Natalie’s body was found: A memorial to the woman who died five years ago this week just days before her 37th birthday. It’s centered by a statue of a female ballplayer, donated by her former teammates. Friends still stop by unannounced to leave mementos and, at Christmas time, dozens of ornaments are left in remembrance, says Lavoie Sr.
A ceramic plaque says, “Look for the angels in your life. They are everywhere.”
Rodney Lavoie Jr. has become one of those angels.
“I wish we had an outlet like Reliance Treatment Centers we could have brought my sister to,” said Lavoie, the emotions still raw. “She struggled with depression and addiction.” Lavoie is hopeful that plans to open a Reliance facility in New England will reach fruition.
Tim Levasseur, CEO and president of the Bullies Reality Foundation, said the work done by Lavoie and other volunteers is making a big difference.”I’m a Boston kid, like Rodney,” said Levasseur, on the phone from the nonprofit’s headquarters. “We don’t cry much, Bostonians. But it breaks your heart to see what some of these children and families are going through, whether it’s addiction, homelessness, bullying or some other issue. It feels so good to help someone who really needs help.”
Levasseur said when he was 14 his family lived in a van, cooking meals on a Sterno stove and struggling to survive. At his lowest, he said he attempted suicide. Levasseur eventually turned his life around, made money in the cable industry and was determined to start the foundation to ensure that other children wouldn’t have a tough childhood like he had. Children who are being bullied or are in bleak situations write to the foundation asking for help. A look at their website chronicles the good work they’re doing.
“Giving back is contagious,” Levasseur said.
“Addiction is a bully. Cancer is a bully. Homelessness is a bully. Cerebral Palsy is a bully. Bullies Reality Foundation is dedicated to giving a helping hand to others and putting an end to all of life’s bullies,” said Lavoie.
Rodney Lavoie Jr. spends a lot of time away from his Saugus home. He, Levasseur and others will soon be traveling to work at a fundraiser for the families of two innocent 13-year-old girls, one of whom died, victims in a drive-by shooting in Wichita Falls, Texas.
But first there’s Rodney Bowl 2 on Oct. 8.
Rodney Bowl 2, which will benefit the Bullies Reality Foundation, will be held at Town Line Luxury Lanes in Malden on Oct. 8. Among those bowling and greeting fans will be former participants of such reality shows as “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race,” “Big Brother” and “Naked and Afraid.” For ticket information, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1207597875930546/
