'Laps for Liam' Benefit Walk Set at Abbott School

03:03PM / Saturday, September 26, 2026Print Story | Email Story

FLORIDA, Mass. — Three days after celebrating his 9th birthday, Liam Lescarbeau was diagnosed with T-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Even though it was detected early, his treatment plan will last approximately 3 1/2 to four years. The first six months of treatment are predicted to be the most aggressive and demanding.

Liam developed a fungal infection in his lungs and brain that affected his speech, right side of his body, and his brain function. He has remained at Boston Children's Hospital since May 30 fighting the fungal infection and working hard to get his mobility back.

His family remains in Boston beside him. His mom, Wendy, remains out of work. His dad, Jonathon, has adjusted his work schedule to allow him to be with his family and support the household as much as possible.

"Liam is not just my neighbor. He is my hero," said Terry Culpepper. "Being recently diagnosed with cancer myself, seeing him fight the good fight inspires me to continue my fight."

The length of South Street is approximately one-mile long. Prior to getting sick, Liam and his family would spend quality time together walking down and around. At times, their walk would total approximately two miles. Two miles is equivalent to roughly 14 laps around the ball field at Abbott Memorial School.

Culpepper is asking community members to walk "Laps for Liam" Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 to 3. Event rain date will be Oct. 10, again from 11 to 3.

Pledge sheets were dispersed to Abbott students and available to the community through Culpepper. There will be food and treats for sale, raffle baskets, 50/50 tickets, family games, and more at the event.

Those interested in providing a monetary donation to the Lescarbeau family can contact Stephanie Pare at spare@abbottmemorial.org; there is also a GoFundMe for the family. Additionally, donations toward a lottery tree or raffle baskets are greatly appreciated and can be collected by the Florida Free Library.

For more on lottery tree or raffle basket donations, contact Heidi Dugal at 413-329-0590.

This isn't just a walkathon fundraiser, but a family day to celebrate Liam's progress and all he has accomplished so far.

Tags: benefit walk, cancer support,

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North Adams Student Struck by Bicyclist at Bus Stop

Staff Reports04:19PM / Friday, September 25, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A North Adams Public Schools student was sent to the hospital with minor injuries after being hit by a bicyclist at a bus stop.

According to police, the incident happened around 8:14 Friday morning near the intersection of Hudson Street and Eagle Street.

An adult was riding a bicycle southbound on Eagle Street down a steep decline. The bicycle's brakes were not working, and the rider was unable to stop.

A group of children was waiting for the school bus at the intersection when the bicyclist struck one of the students.

First responders were on scene, and other adults present at the bus stop also intervened.

The child sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he was treated and released later that morning.

The bicyclist was charged with operating a bicycle to endanger. Police confirmed the bicycle was not an e-bike.

The school district sent families an email stating that students riding the Brayton B2 bus and the Colgrove C2 bus witnessed the accident. Staff checked in with each student witness, and school adjustment counselors provided support for students throughout the day.

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