Brian Luyt is leaving the CdLS Foundation’s board of directors and we’ll miss him.
The tall Texan (and Katie’s dad) is watching his second three-year term expire and he rotates off of our volunteer board at the end of the year.
What I’ll miss most about Brian is his willingness to try anything to help other families of children with CdLS. Even before joining the board, Brian and his lovely bride Mary hosted the Foundation’s 1999 National Conference in Dallas. This accomplishment alone puts the two of them in the running for sainthood.
Once on the board, Brian rode across Iowa on a bike to raise awareness and money for our efforts. He traveled to St. Louis to play golf in the Foundation’s longest-running benefit golf tournament (Madison County Wood Products) AND THEN decided to team-up with fellow Texan and board member, Rob Rodriguez, to start their own benefit golf tournament.
When the board traveled to Washington, D.C. early in 2006, Brian not only attended scheduled meetings with his congressional representatives, but also “dropped in” on the offices of officials from other states.
Brian had nearly, if not absolutely, perfect attendance at board meetings (sorry Brian, I don’t keep role), arriving early and staying until the sometimes contentious end. Using planes, trains or automobiles, Brian always arrived, ready for duty, when our mission called. He has written letters, made (many) telephone calls, and otherwise done everything we have asked over the last six years.
He has even volunteered to continue making telephone calls now that his board service is ending. And you can bet I will hold him to it; there is no way I will let such a dedicated volunteer ride off into the sunset to disappear.
Brian, you are a scholar and a gentleman. We will miss you. (And believe me, that’s the first time I’ve ever said that about a Bruin.) – DC
Brian showing off his farewell gift at the October board meeting.
Brian and Katie tripping the lights fantastic at the 2006 CdLS conference.
CdLS Foundation: The Water Cooler 