Ben Lavine of Lowell Honored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Lowell Resident Ben Lavine receives the

2013 Dr. Cynthia Lucero Humanitarian Award from the

Massachusetts Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

June 25, 2013 – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Massachusetts Chapter named Ben Lavine, of Lowell, the Dr. Cynthia Lucero Humanitarian Award winner on June 20, 2013 at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Night.

The Dr. Cynthia Lucero Humanitarian Award was established in honor of Dr. Lucero’s humanitarian philosophy of life, dedicated service to others, and commitment to the Society.  On April 11th, 2002, Dr. Lucero presented “Effects of a marathon training program on family and friends of cancer patients” for her Doctoral Project Colloquium at the MA School of Professional Psychology.  Four days later, she was struck with hyponatremia while running the Boston Marathon with “Team and Training” (TNT) and passed away the following day.  This award acts as a tribute to the lasting impact Dr. Lucero made on the world.

Lavine became involved with LLS through Team In Training (TNT) several years ago. He had two mission connections. One of his close friends had lost her fiancée to blood cancer and another friend’s daughter had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Lavine was very frustrated and felt that he needed to do something positive to help end these dreadful diseases. He decided to join TNT in late 2002 and registered for America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, a century ride in Lake Tahoe. Since that time, Lavine has been a huge part of the LLS family in Massachusetts. His TNT repertoire includes running the Boston Marathon, the Run to Remember and the Seagull Century ride, just to name a few. Over the past several years, Lavine has raised more than $30,000 in support of the LLS mission. He has served as a TNT coach and mentor, and he has attended just about every event in the Massachusetts Chapter. Whether providing security at large outdoor events or helping to hand out balloons at our Light The Night Walk, Lavine is always ready to assist volunteers and staff.

Those who knew Cynthia Lucero remember all that she did to help others. Many think about her humanitarian philosophy and involvement with the Chapter. Lavine also embodies these magnificent qualities. In addition to his support of LLS, he volunteers with Law Enforcement United (LEU). Every May LEU produces a charity bicycle ride from either Chesapeake, VA to Washington, DC or from Reading, PA to Washington, DC. The ride honors fallen law enforcement officers and raises money for two charities: Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), which provides services to survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, and the Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP), which serves to memorialize all U.S. and U.S. possessions/territories law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. This year’s contributions were $180,000 to COPS and $80,000 to ODMP. Lavine has participated in LEU as both a rider and as support staff.

Like Lucero, Lavine never hesitates to get involved and make a difference. He never really needs to be asked; he just quietly finds out what is needed and magically makes it all happen. Lavine has travelled several times as a volunteer to TNT “away events”, paying for his own airfare, hotel and other expenses, just to be with the team and provide mentoring and encouragement. His spirit and selfless contribution in supporting LLS and other organizations made him the ideal recipient of the 11th Annual Dr. Cynthia Lucero Humanitarian Award.

Volunteer for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

More than one million Americans are battling blood cancers, and every four minutes, a new patient in the United States is diagnosed. Volunteering at LLS is a great way for members of the community to put their talents and energy to work to help these patients and families.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.  

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.