Some of you might have seen previous articles of Jon Shrier and the “I Ride for Cody” initiative in the local newspapers and on Social Media. It is a privilege to bring this wonderful adventure that Jon experienced to our own community members.
However, it is importance that we mention the beautiful young man named Cody Michael Bouchard, whom this story is all about.
Cody Bouchard lived in Pincourt and was 19 years old when he passed away from a rare cancer on February 3rd , 2020. He was a John Abbott student, studying business, and a star athlete, having played football with the Western Patriots, played Rugby for Ste Anne de Bellevue and was on the national swim team in Pointe Claire. He was loved by everyone due to his incredible up-beat personality and strength of character and is sorely missed by all who were fortunate to know him.
About a month after his passing, personal notes that had been saved on Cody’s phone and stored in iCloud, accidently downloaded to his mother Elaine’s tablet. One of the notes he had left to himself under the title of “When I Kick Cancer’s Ass”, was to help other kids who had been stricken with cancer. So, in effect, this created the initial idea of his family starting the Cody Michael Bouchard Fund – cmbfund.org.
A few months later, Jon Shrier, a close family friend, who Cody and his brother Kyle called “Uncle Jonathan”, started a 4700km trek from Montreal to Whistler, B.C. on a one-wheeler electric skateboard, departing from Cunningham’s Pub in Ste Anne de Bellevue. Jim Beauchamp and family who are a second family to the Bouchards, pretty much took control of the whole adventure, finding sponsors who would either donate to the cause and/or help Jon on his travels.
The CMB fund is now closed, but feel free to email.
Austin Beauchamp, life-long friend of Cody, standing by the camper that would travel with Jon, donated by Thermo King. McDonald’s among others were also a key Sponsors.
Peter Schiefke, MP for Vaudreuil-Soulanges came by to show his support for this fundraiser.
Christine Long of CTV News interviews Kyle, Elaine and David Bouchard just before Jon was about to leave.
Imagine travelling on highways across Canada self-balancing on a one-wheel and with one goal in mind…. to hopefully raise $30,000 for the CMB Fund.
Jon met so many wonderful people during his travels, One of Jon’s biggest and was lucky to be hosted in campgrounds, trailer thrills was to reach the parks and the occasional Motel along the way.
Terry Fox monument According to Jon’s posts that I was following, most of in Thunder Bay, On.these people donated to the cause either in food, comfort or $$ dollars.
David Bouchard, Jon Shier and Elaine Bouchard reuniting in BC the day that Jon arrived!
Friends and family traveled to BC 30 days later to meet Jon when he Rolled-in to Whistler, having raised over $40,000! If you would like to donate, please go to cmbfund.org.
Lorie Marcotte
www.mwcn.ca
