James Beck

James Beck said he’s a little embarrassed to have his volunteer efforts result in an award.

But after 30 years of his time, the Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has decided to recognize Beck’s efforts, naming him the special honoree of the group’s annual dinner, being held Thursday at the LeMont on Mount Washington in Pittsburgh.

Beck, 54, of Penn Township said he became involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society because of the death of his brother, Bobby, from leukemia when Beck was just a boy.

Richele Ward, senior campaign director for the society’s Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia chapter, said Beck became a chapter board member in 1982.

He also has served as chapter president and is currently serving on the national board, which, he said, has opened his eyes to the society’s true character.

“You know once you get involved with an organization of this quality, especially what I have found at the national level, you just can’t stop doing more,” he said Tuesday.

Beck, first vice president and financial adviser in Hefren-Tillotson’s Butler office, said in the past decade the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has pushed 39 cancer treatment drugs through the Food and Drug Administration for approval — an expensive and exhausting process that can take years and millions of dollars to negotiate.

Ward explained the society’s money goes to drug and disease research; patient financial aid, helping with drug and transportation costs; and a back-to-school program for patients, as well as others.

“There are many, many programs that our money goes to, and Mr. Beck, and his wife, Lynn, have helped with more than $1 million in donations,” Ward said.

Beck said Lynn exemplifies the adage that “behind every great man is a great woman, that’s who Lynn is. Don’t get me started, I’ll get all teary.”