Local triathlete gets some help for her cause
By Karen Mann Journal Correspondent

Mary beth Beaudoin stands with her husband, Brian (left), and her daughter, Katelyn (right), with the bike she has had since she was 18 years old and the new bike she received this Christmas. Journal Photo/Karen Mann

Triathlete Mary beth Beaudoin is a firm believer that someone's goals can also become a chance to help other people.

"There is always the opportunity for people to do things for themselves and other people at the same time," she said.

This is one reason Beaudoin has been competing in triathlons and walks while simultaneously raising money for cancer research.

When she was approaching her 40th birthday, Beaudoin decided to set a goal for herself. She participated in the Danskin Women's Triathlon, which proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

After that first one, Beaudoin said she was hooked. In the last four years, she has also participated in the Timberman Triathlon, the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk, and has walked the Boston Marathon for the Jimmy Fund. She estimates she has raised $7,000 for charity.

The tables were recently turned on Beaudoin, when she became the one reaping the benefits of someone else's efforts.

She was given a new racing bike and equipment for Christmas by a stranger.

Brian, Mary beth's husband, was looking for a special Christmas gift for his wife. His friend, Mike Seguin, suggested Brian check out www.ebay.com and www.craigslist.com to find a racing bike for her. Both sites give people the opportunity to sell and buy items.

The Beaudoins found a posting on Craigslist from a woman named Rebecca. She would give away her racing bike to someone whose life would be bettered by having it.

Brian asked his oldest daughter, Katelyn, a freshman at Bridgewater State College, to compose a letter.

"I thought the letter would be better coming from the children's perspective," Brian said.

After a few e-mails between the two, to make sure the bike was the right size for Mary beth, Rebecca told Katelyn they had won.

Included with the bike, which according to Brian was estimated at $3,500 in value, were racing shoes and shirts, a helmet and a repair kit.

Mary beth has been using the same bike her whole life, the one she purchased herself at the age of 16.

"It works so why replace it?" said Mary beth. She admitted it made a good conversation starter at races.

Mary beth's family said she has never asked for a new bike. On Christmas morning, not only did the family surprise Mary beth with the new bike, they also gave her a copy of the correspondence between Katelyn and Rebecca.

"The letter would have been good enough without the bike," said Mary beth, who said her family is very supportive. "To them, my exercise is a part of who I am."

Katelyn said she wanted to show Rebecca how dedicated her mother is to something, while still having enough time for her family.

"She never forgets anything," said Katelyn.

Even if it means that the fifth grade teacher wakes up at 5 a.m. to ride her stationery exercise bike while correcting papers. Even if it means the mother of three brings one of her kids to sports practice and exercises in a nearby gymnasium.

"She is very motivated," said Brian.

Now the Beaudoin family would like to meet Rebecca to thank her for her generosity, which they've only been able to do through e-mail. Brian's parents were the ones who picked up the bike from Rebecca; she moved out of the country the next week.

"I hope to meet her someday to thank her," said Mary beth. "But I hope the good I do with the bike will be enough of a show of appreciation." To: Rebecca

From: Katelyn Beaudoin

No one deserves this racing bike more than my mom. For the past five years, in between teaching full time, doing community service and raising three children, she has found time to train for and compete in triathlons. These triathlons support many charities including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Daily my mom wakes up between 5 and 5:30 a.m. to ride her bicycle. Regardless of where she is she somehow finds a way to ride on the road, a stationary bicycle at home or at the gym. When my mother turned eighteen, 25 years ago, she bought a road bike. Since then, this has been the only bike she has ridden. She refuses to buy any other bike, because in her eyes there is nothing wrong with this bike. My dad and I know that with a new racing bicycle she will be able to improve her riding skills and better enjoy competing. Whether she's riding her stationary bike while correcting elementary school work or finding time at the gym during her son's basketball practice, she strives to engage herself in something she loves. Because of her sincere dedication to a sport that she is devoted to, she would greatly benefit from this bicycle. I hope you will consider my mom for this awesome opportunity. If you need to gain more information about my mom, please don't hesitate to write back.