In honor of Collin Lis, a kind and loving 11-year-old boy with Down syndrome, LuMind IDSC is presenting the Collin Lis Humanitarian Award to two members of the Down syndrome community. The award acknowledges exemplary Down syndrome organization employees, advocates, or supporters who have consistently demonstrated compassion and kindness to others.
Collin Lis inspires the creation of the Collin Lis Humanitarian Award.
In just 11 years, Collin made a very positive and life-long impact on his family, his friends, and the Down syndrome community. He was well known for his smile, hugs, unwavering kindness, and ability to brighten others’ days. His small acts of kindness helped make a difference in the world, and his family and friends remember Collin as a special and unique soul whose spirit will always inspire others. LuMind IDSC board president Anthony Providenti and LuMind IDSC president and CEO Hampus Hillerstrom joined with Christopher and Heather Lis to honor and acknowledge Collin’s life and create the Collin Lis Humanitarian Award.
This year, LuMind IDSC presented the Collin Lis Humanitarian Award to two LuMind IDSC employees: Senior Operations Manager, Lori Ostiguy, and Vice President of Research, Lois Kelly. The two recipients were selected for their positivity and perseverance in the face of obstacles over the past year. “Lori has been instrumental in bridging transitions with our LuMind IDSC team; always jumping in to help the whole team and remaining positive in the face of challenges. She keeps the operations of LuMind IDSC moving forward,” explained Hillerstrom. “Lois has faced significant logistical and programmatic obstacles in the past year but has always maintained an optimistic outlook and unlimited energy to her work. She is a true team player.”
The award, along with $1,000, will be given yearly to any employee or volunteer of a Down syndrome non-profit organization who embodies kindness without judgment to make a difference in the world. Nominations for the next award will be accepted beginning August 1 through September 15, 2024. Nomination forms are available online. Award recipients will be announced in October 2024 in honor of Collin and Down Syndrome Awareness Month.