The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Massachusetts Chapter recently named Westwood resident Lyndsay Picciano the annual Lucy Against Leukemia Award winner on June 21 at an annual volunteer appreciation night. 

The award is named after Lucy Duffy, who, in 1986, ran the New York Marathon in honor of her husband, Allen, just before he passed away from leukemia. Ever since, Lucy has continued running and raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Many deem Lucy’s story and the formation of LLS ‘s “Team in Training” (TNT) program as one and the same. The Lucy Against Leukemia Award is given each year to an athlete who has gone the distance and holds a special story. 

Likewise, Picciano, in 2007, competed in the San Diego Marathon with TNT in honor of her father, who recently had been diagnosed with cancer. Ever since, her commitment to LLS has been relentless, even through the passing of her dad as she trained for the Boston Marathon in 2008.  Lyndsay’s devotion has not only been apparent through her efforts as a participant of TNT, but also as a team Mentor and key volunteer. She was on the committee of this past year’s “Gala For A Cure,” helping the Society exceed its fundraising goal by nearly $40,000.