Courtesy Photo Carol Ann Silverman, who brought the issue of child abuse to the attention of others with her writing, died Tuesday at age 55.

Carol Ann Silverman wouldn't have had it any other way, said Bob Silverman, her husband of more than 29 years.

On Tuesday, Carol Silverman, 55, died of cancer.

About 10 a.m. today, about a dozen motorcyclists will gather to escort Carol Silverman for her final ride from the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home in Frederick to the Smithsburg Crematorium.

Bikers Against Child Abuse will be represented in the procession, Bob Silverman said.

In her final months, Silverman worked to publicize BACA in her citizen blog, Biker Biz, on The Frederick News-Post's website.

The president of BACA's Frederick County chapter, Bouncer, was saddened to hear BACA had lost one of its most enthusiastic supporters.

Silverman brought the issue of child abuse to the attention of others with her writing, said Bouncer, his BACA nickname. BACA prohibits its members from using their real names because of death threats against a Texas member.

About six months ago, Silverman asked Bouncer if she could write about the group on her blog. The couple wanted to know what they could do to help the biker organization help the kids, Bouncer said.

More than one friend received the gift of one of Silverman's beloved Chihuahuas.

Amy Sanders-White worked with Silverman at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

"What I remember most is that she was such a fun person, so caring and loving," Sanders-White said. "If you needed something, she would be there for you."

Robin Castle, Silverman's neighbor for 15 years, spent lots of weekends caring for her friend while Bob Silverman was away on business.

Carol Silverman had encouraged Castle's husband as he battled cancer himself.

"Carol had just finished a round of chemo, and she came over and made him his lunch," Castle said.

"I got home that night and he was in such a good mood," Castle said. "She told him, 'Living with cancer is normal, Pete.' She made me think that living with cancer was possible."

M.J. Reynolds, a website editor Silverman befriended through their passion for motorcycles, said Silverman kept people informed about rallies throughout the eastern and southeastern United States.

"You always got firsthand, honest information, not the Chamber of Commerce" when you read her blog, Reynolds said.

"She didn't do it for money, but to help people out," she said.

Amy Lee of RAM Cycles in Rockville said the business enjoyed collaborating with Silverman on charity events.

"She has left us truly inspired," Lee said.

Lee recalled how Silverman put a saying for the day on each of her blogs. One that struck her most was, "Precious few are born with it; even fewer know what to do with it."

"Carol Silverman was born with 'it' and dedicated her time spreading her enthusiasm and excitement for the motorcycle industry," she said.

"Although the motorcycle community has lost one of their greatest advocates, the light in her eyes still burns in our hearts."