After 23 years of dedicated service, Lynn will hang up her CdLS cape and walk off into the sunset. Lynn’s retirement is bittersweet for those of us who have had the pleasure of working with her. She can always be counted on to for her dedication to the families, her thoroughness, and helping her colleagues problem solve any issue.
Lynn came to us in 1996 – a graduate of Boston University, with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Since then, Lynn backed up her credentials by doing the hard work of learning everything she could about CdLS, and employing her natural compassion as she listened to all the stories and challenges our parents faced. She has helped connect hundreds of parents and their children with other families and caring CdLS experts.
One of our families recently shared the following story about their experience with her, “When our son was born, he was immediately rushed away because he stopped breathing. The neurologist suspected a syndrome, but wouldn’t elaborate. A diagnosis of CdLS was confirmed. My wife however was in denial. She could not accept it. I jumped on the internet and learned about the Foundation. When I mustered up the courage to call, I was immediately comforted by the voice of Lynn Audette. She not only helped to put my mind at ease, she welcomed my family into the community. My wife was still having a hard time coming to terms with the diagnosis. I came to the hospital and gave the phone to my wife saying, “I have someone I want you to talk to…” That was the game changer. That talk is what finally helped her to come to terms with our son’s syndrome. It was scary but so comforting to talk to Lynn.”
Lynn has been humbled by the number of families who have graciously opened their hearts to her and shared their successes and struggles. “One of the best aspects of this job has been to see the growth families undergo after their first phone call to the Foundation. To see them move from uncertainty to becoming experts on and such fierce advocates for their child’s needs. My life has been made richer from each and every family I have had the honor of meeting and I will always carry that with me.” Lynn fondly shares.
Deirdre Summa – longtime colleague had this to say, “Lynn exemplifies what dedication is to the Foundation and families, through her genuine love and support bestowed on the families she connects with and understands so well. I appreciate our many years working side by side, sometime sharing tears and other times sharing laughter. I wish Lynn the best as she begins a new journey and will miss her dearly!”
Please join us in wishing Lynn a fond farewell by leaving your comments and if you feel to – donations to the Foundation in her honor, by clicking here.
We wish Lynn the absolute best in the next chapter of her life.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Royster
Executive Director
CdLS Foundation
Thank you Lynn for all o hard work and dedication over the years! You will truly be missed. Urbi Ghosh, mother of Anjuli Roy
Best of luck in your next challenges!! We met last Spring in Omaha and I really enjoyed meeting you. Thank you for all your feedback and information.
Linda Van Dyke
Hi Lynn,
Thank you for all of your dedication and hard work to the CDLS foundation. I wish you a wonderful retirement!!
Lynn,
Thank you for your dedication and hard work for our families. We will miss your familiar name. Best wishes for your next endeavors.
Fondly,
The family of Adam Jackson
Thank you Lynn for your service to the foundation and all the families that you touched. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Carol
Thank you for everything. You have really helped me with Tyler with all my questions and issues. I appreciate that you have always gone the extra mile in
everything you do. I wish you nothing but the best.
We will miss you, Lynn! Thank you for EVERYTHING you’ve done for our families. You’ve been so compassionate, helpful and caring. Enjoy your retirement!
Dear Lynn,
It has been a privilege serving the Foundation with you. You are an incredible leader and mentor, and you leave a strong legacy for others to follow and continue. Thank you for 23 years of impactful service. You will be missed.
With gratitude,
Katie Terhune
Congratulations on your retirement Lynn! And a big heartfelt Thank You for everything you have done for all the Cdls children & their families!
Lynn Thank you,
Your an inspiration for a lot of us.
Enjoy your retirement.
Lynn, you have been part of our CDLS journey from just shortly after Allie was born in December 1995 till her passing this past April. You have always been a voice of comfort. We have laughed together and cried together. But you always gave me the courage and strength to be the best parent and advocate for Allie. You were an important part of our lives and CDLS journey. I wish you much luck in your future endeavor. With much admiration and love, Stephanie Self, Allie Boteler’s Mom.
Dearest Lynn, your call reaching out to me when our granddaughter Camryn was diagnosed with CdLS was a welcome, comforting entry to a then unknown world. Your caring, informative responses to our concerns provided much needed help navigating this new world. Your assistance was both practical and emotionally supportive. Thank you so much for all you have done for our family and so many more families. We wish you the best as you enter this new chapter in your life. May all your hopes and dreams be fulfilled.
Lynn,
You have been such a great support for us over the years, I will always be grateful for that.
Wishing you all the best going forward, take care.
Lynn,
It’s not like we connected all that often, but after my active involvement with CdLS (on the board) ended, to me you you have been a one constant source of connection to the Foundation. Blessings to you as you move into the next chapter of your life!
Congratulations and good luck with your new adventure, you deserve it.
Dear Lynn, whenever I needed advice or just moral support you were just a phone call away. Thank you for all your compassion, expertise, and friendship. You were with me ever step of the way with Charlie. Best wishes as you begin a new journey, RETIREMENT. Enjoy.
With love, Joyce
Congratulations on your retirement Lynn. When our son, Travis, was finally diagnosed in 1993 we were given the CDLS Foundation phone number. You weren’t there then, but I’m pretty sure we met at one of the conferences. Thanks for all you did for the CDLS kids and parents. You will be missed.
Waldock Family
Lynn, Thank you so much for your many years of service & dedication.
Please, please ensure someone takes care of those paper files for us old-timers!
Enjoy your retirement!
Jody
Dear Lynn,
As we discussed on the phone last spring when we last spoke, there is much to look forward to as you embark on your new adventure and carry the memories of what you have done for so many. I always found you a terrific resource for both information and from feeling inadequate at times in my role as special education consultant to the Foundation as well as to the Federation. So as you were there for the families, you also provided much to the consultants. Thank you. I am in Maine about once/month and hope to bump into you. Much happiness. Mary Morse
Lynn,
Congratulations and Best of Luck in the future!
Thanks for your help navigating the CdLS World!
The Comeau Family
You are truly the best Lynn! You were always a huge support to me during my short time at the foundation! Congrats and best of luck to you!
This truly brought tears to my eyes. Lynn you will be missed!
Lynn,
We love you, and are so excited to know you’ll be starting a new, fun chapter in your life. You have really dedicated yourself to families like us and words can’t express how grateful we are. We will always cherish your friendship and the support you gave us throughout your long career at the Foundation. You will be missed by many, and hard to replace!!! Congratulations on a job well done!
With tons of appreciation and big hugs,
Julie & Roy Gonella
Lynn,
We have been a part of the Foundation so long that I remember you as the “newbie”! You quickly became a knowledgeable support, however. We will miss your familiar presence and shared history of this community.We wish you the very best in your next life chapter!!!
First I’d like to say how much Misty, Mason and I will miss seeing and working with you . You have been absolutely amazing . We wish you well in your future endeavors . May your life be as blessed as you have made so many others .
Lynn was the first person we talked to at the foundation and she helped us in our time of need. We wish you luck Lynn on whatever your next chapter is. You have been a blessing to our family and helped us through everything. We appreciate everything you have done for us and CdLS. -the Doerhoffs
Dear Lynn,
Thank you for your years of dedicated service to the CdLS community. I wish that all rare-disease patients and families could have the type of support that you have provided.
Regards,
Mary Dunkle, NORD
Dear Lynn,
Andrea, Mikayla, Alec and I all wish you all the best on your upcoming journey. Words cannot express our appreciation for all your work and dedication to the Foundation. Enjoy your retirement and we wish you good health and happiness in the future!!
Thank you Lynn, for all the hard and dedication work you provided to all the families in need. Thanks again!!! Have a wonderful and blessed retirement.
The Benjamin Miller family, Jeff, Mindy Ben and Meagan, wishes you all the best in your retirement. Thanks for all your dedication and contributions to CDLS.
We will miss you. Thank you for your calm presence at Conference and Board meetings and your support for us as parents of a child with CdLS. You have touched many lives and hopefully you feel very proud of all you have accomplished as you move on
Lynne (and our family)
Lynn, I will always remember your encouragement, concern, dedication, and love you have to us and our children. You touched my heart when you’d show up at the hospital with pen and pad in tow; making sure what Ryan was going through might help another CdLs child ( the medications given and what worked etc). The foundation will surely have big shoes to fill with you leaving. You touched my heart and I will always have gratitude and love for you. Thank you for all you’ve done for my family. Love You! Shari & Maury Drake, Shailyn and Angel Ryan
Lynn,
Best wishes on your next adventure! It was a pleasure working alongside you and even more wonderful knowing you as a friend. We all love you very much!
HAVE FUN!
-Brenda & Andrew Sawyer
Dear Lynn, wishing you a well deserved retirement. Not having a child with CDLS, I have witnessed the wonderful work you have done for the children, families and Foundation. You will be missed by all the many lives you have touched. It has been my pleasure as a board member to have known you and worked with you over the years. May all your future plans and dreams come true. God Bless you and your family, JIM
Dear Lynn, I am so happy for you as you and your family move ahead to this next adventure. It has truly been an honor to know you and to have had your warm, loving support in good times and in bad. Thank you so much for your long-standing dedication to my family and all the families of the CdLS Foundation.
Wishing you much happiness in your continued journey!
Love, Mary
Lynn Audette was the person who taught me about the very real challenges and opportunities families affected by CdLS face when I first started at the Foundation. Her compassion, empathy, and authenticity are what have made her a successful human being.
I am sure this decision took much courage and wish you only the best in this new professional chapter.
With warm regards,
Liana Garcia Fresher
Lynn, you taught me everything there was to know about CdLS when I worked with you. Your dedication to our families was appreciated by so many new moms and dads. You will be missed. I hope your new journey is everything you hope it will be. LYLG, Barb
Thanks so much for all you did for the foundation and the families, and enjoy your retirement. We will surely miss you. The foundation won’t be the same without you.
Lynn – Just a brief note to let you know that you’ll be missed by all whose lives you’ve touched over the many years with the Foundation. You’ve been a great friend. I wish you all the best as you enter a new phase of your life with Rich and the kids. You’ll find out that there is “life” after a great career. Enjoy every minute of it!!
Thank you Lynn for being such a friendly and welcoming presence. You have been a tremendous help to our family and have been a consistent contact for us within the foundation. We will miss you!
Dear Lynn,
Kudos for so many jobs well done and more importantly, for leading with your heart the entire time. It was an honor and pleasure to work with you. Starr and I wish you all the best in your next adventure.
Regards,
Darrell
Lynn thank you so much for your warm kindness, empathy and knowledge. You have blessed our life!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Lynn,
You have been the face of family support services for so many years and have done an exceptional job. For the hundreds of families like mine, at times fearful, sad and in need of hope, thank you for lifting us up, giving us encouragement, and sharing your expertise and care.
The de Lange Foundation has been so lucky to have you for these many years. You will be missed, but know that your great work has been appreciated and that you will be remembered by all of us.
Dear Lynn,
We/ I will miss you so very much. You have been wonderful to work with over the last 23 years. I will miss your great personality along with all of the support you gave to all of us.
This is not bye it is see you later:)
Keep in touch.
XOXO
Dear Lynn,
Your presence at the Foundation all these (mutual) years has contributed so much, from your intimate knowledge of CdLS in all areas, our initial forays into queries and responses for the families, regional gatherings for CdLS (we will never forget New Orleans or Mobile!), and national meetings with all their stress and joys, through multiple executive directors and two medical directors (sadly now, only one), to CdLS clinics in different states, training new staff and always, always with your calm manner, dedication and strength. I will miss you so much! Don’t be a stranger!
Love always,
Tonie
Lynn – our feelings are so mixed. We are so happy for you as you begin a new chapter of your life, but so sad for us. You have been such a positive, informative and compassionate person that so many families have depended on for so many years. “Thank You” seems so inadequate for all you have done for our families and in particular our precious children. But just know that your dedication to our families and children will never be forgotten. We wish you all the best for your future. Stay in touch!
With Much Appreciation,
Karen and Larry Prada (and Brianne)
Bittersweet is right, Lynn! Thank you so much for being our first and constant contact with the cdls foundation and introducing us to our cdls family. Your dedication and passion for cdls families is contagious and inspiring as is your kindness and support. Thank you for your years of amazing dedication and commitment….you will be greatly missed.
Breeze and Margaret
Lynn, Thank you for your time and assistance. As the grandmother of a CdLS child your information and assistance I am forever grateful. Colm has grown and has become quite the young man, now 13. Always challenges but you and the CdLS foundation have been great
You have been there for us for so many years unconditionally. So happy for you and your new venture in life. You will be greatly missed but just know you will be forever in our heart no matter where you are and what you are doing for all the love you gave in helping our kids. May God Bless you always our sincere thank you from our heart to yours!! Lots of Love, Barb, Doug & Amber Gaines
Lynn,
Thank You for being in all of our lives! We are now loosing two wonderful, talented, and Dedicated people! We hope your future will be bright and gracious as the past has! Your shoes will be hard to fill. So sorry to see you go. Can we maybe twist your arm or put gravity boots on too keep you forever and ever!?
Good Luck!
Christine and Mary Fiori
Thank you Lynn for all you have done for the CdlS. We really appreciate you.
Dearest Lynn, thank you, thank you.. You have been a corner stone to the foundation and even though Colt’s heart is small his gratitude as well as mine is big❣️…. you’ve always welcomed our concerns no matter how trivial they may or may not have been-all while having a positive and encouraging soul. Thank you. Enjoy your new adventures. The Highberger family (Colt)
Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your years so service.
Mary Nix and Margie Britton
Lynn,
I refuse to say goodbye! I’m so thankful that I got to know you! Your calm reassurances and voice of reason in the midst of chaos has always been comforting. Like so many others, you were the first one after our diagnosis that helped us make sense of the craziness. You have been a lifeline for us from the very beginning. I wish you well in your new endeavors. I sincerely hope our paths cross again! Love you! Sandra
Lynn
Wishing you the best in the future and your next endeavor! Your wonderful, informative presence and calming support for all of the CdLS families will surely be missed. Thank you so much and the best of everything for you and your family in the future. Rich & Dianne Haaland
Lynn
We wish you all of the best in your next endeavor and all of your future. Your invaluable support, calming presence will be missed by all of the CdLS families. Best of wishes for your future, Rich & Dianne Haaland
Lynn, Jaxon and I will miss you so much! Your one of a kind! I can’t thank you enough for always thinking of us and being right there to lend your ear to us. I wish you all the best on your next chapter. You will be missed more then you can ever imagine! We are so lucky to have had you in our lives! Xxoo
Love always,
Jaxon (Alarie) and mom Erika
Lynn,
We wish you the best in the next stage of your endeavors an in all of your future. Your compassion, understanding and knowledge will be missed by us and all of the CdLS families. Best of luck and thank you! Rich & Dianne Haaland
I am so excited for you Lynn but it is truly bittersweet for us. You will be missed! We received our diagnosis 25 years ago so you have been there for us for a majority of our major issues and questions. Thanks so much for all that you have done. I wish you the very best. From Drews mom in Alabama!
Thank you Lynn for listening and your caring heart. You have made a tremendous difference. I’m going to miss talking to you at the foundation. Good Luck with the next chapter. 😘❤️💜
Dear Lynn,
Wishing you great happiness and well being. Thank you for all you’ve done on behalf of the CdLS Foundation. You were enormously supportive to our family providing information and support. Always with a kind hard and such intelligence.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Luca and the Barone Family
Lynn~ You always made us feel like we were the only ones. Gonna miss your familiar face!
Lynn: I’m so sorry to see you go! You have always been such a great voice to hear on the other end of the phone; an excellent listener and gentle advisor. I’ve always appreciated your help and enjoyed talking with you. I hope you are moving on to something wonderful. I wish you all the best. XOXO.
Lynn, Wishing you all the best on your new journey, thank you for everything you have given to the foundation and families! We will miss you!
Hi Lynn, thank you for your service to such a special cause that’s near and dear to our hearts and obviously yours. When Tara was born in 1998, I called the foundation 2 weeks later and I remember you answered the phone…and answered many of my anxious questions about the unknown, CdLS. You and the foundation have been a blessing to us. Good luck and have fun in retirement!
Dear Lynn,
On behalf of Bob and I, and our entire family, I want to thank you for your support, knowledge, leadership and compassion. We will miss you terribly. We wish you the best of luck with this new phase of your life and know how lucky your new community will be to have you in it!
Warmly,
Alex and the Boneberg/Aschenbrenner Family
We will miss you so much Lynn! Thank you for your dedication to our CdLS Families. Thank you for all of the hard work and sacrifice you made helping all of us!
Thank you for your many years of service.
Lynn,
Thank you so much for all you have done over the years for the CdLS families. You hold a special place in our hearts and will always be dear to our family. Thank you for helping our family get through tough times over the years in not having one but two boys with CdLS. Thank you for your love, compassion, kindness, encouragement, positivity and expertise you have extended. We wish you blessings for a bright future and pray you enjoy the next chapter in your life. We will miss you!
Love, Darl Deb Jake and Nathan VanderMeulen 🙂
Dearest Lynn,
Words cannot express what you have meant to me and my family throughout your time with the Foundation. You have helped me grow not only as a CdLS mom, but as an advocate. A job well done having left your mark on this earth by supporting not only myself but countless others. Congratulations on your retirement! You will be missed.
As a past President of the CdLS Board of Directors, one of my favorite moments was having the honor to recognize Lynn for 20 years of service to the CdLS Foundation. I can’t count the number of people who told me Lynn was the person they talked to when they first received a diagnosis of CdLS and the one person who set their minds at ease about the future of raising a child with CdLS. Likewise, Lynn was always the person I could count on to remind me that everything would be OK even in the most challenging moments. She is without a doubt the person we all point to when we say that the focus of the Foundation is serving families affected by CdLS. Each one of us owes Lynn a debt of gratitude for her commitment to serving each and every family who came home with a diagnosis of CdLS. She exemplifies what the Foundation ascribes to be, and she will be greatly missed. Thank you Lynn for your commitment to all of those affected by CdLS.
There are no words to truly sum up your passion, commitment, and friendship! We wish you a world of happiness and may your retirement with Rich be as wonderful as ours, bar the broken ankle part !! 😁❣️ENJOY ✨XOXOXO ✨
Thank you for all that you have done for all the families. Your name will hang in all of our memories.
Lynn, Thank you for being there to provide advice for me and my daughter and son-in-law for our Grandson Chase. i especially remember when we found out that Chase was deaf and we were devastated. But you explained that many times these CdLS kids grow out of their deafness, can be corrected with hearing aids and cochlear implants, or you learn sign language. We were very comforted after that because it was said in such a calm, positive, real way. And also for giving up your room for my wife and myself at the Minneapolis Conference when I had a snafu in our reservation. You’re special. Jim and Twila Robinson, Grandparents to Chase Duff
Thank you, Lynn, for your love, strength, and compassion. You have left a tremendous legacy ❤️
Hi Lynn,
The Foundation has been many things to Bruce and myself while raising Kourtenay (sometimes I think she was raising us 😉) – and the word “lifeline” comes to mind. Any way, when you came on board, I must say, that in my mind’s eye, you became the face of the foundation! You took calls at the office , sending good vibes through the phone, showed up in Columbia, MD to support our get togethers, and accompanied us (Pam Matheson❤️) on visits to some families. Anyway, can’t thank you enough for being you and for being there! All the best in your life’s continuing journey.
What a treasure is leaving the Foundation. Selfishly, I wish this day never came. You are incredibly emotionally intuitive and compassionate. You are devoted, calm and strong. You have helped me through overwhelming moments and served so very many with your dedication, expertise, and professionalism. You are an extremely rare human being with your particular gifts for connection and kindness. I am better for knowing you. Gratitude from the Miller family and the entire CdLS community
(of which you are still part). Best wishes on your new chapter. I hope it brings you joy.
Lynn,
I can’t believe it has been 23 years. You have been the heart, the soul and the “glue” that has made CdLs Foundation so meaningful and valued. Your sensitivity and true caring helped untold numbers of families believe in their child’s future, with hope and promise of strides to be taken and challenges to be conquered. I will misss you, but I will cherish the memories of your counsel and friendship.
God bless,
Dick Mungo
Lynn, I’m sure it can be hard to comprehend how many lives you’ve touched through your many years with the CdLS Foundation. We’re all fortunate to have had you as a part of our lives. Thank you from the bottom of our heart. We wish you the best!
Lynn,
You set the bar very high for all future Family Service Coordinators! You made us feel so welcomed and guided us into all the appropriate private consults at our first national conference last year. You have been amazingly responsive to every request, ALWAYS replying in under 24 hours, and ALWAYS offering above and beyond what was originally requested. We will miss you, but wish you the very best in your next chapter.
Dave, Sheila and Anikka Bengtson
Wishing you all the best in your next chapter that you bestowed upon our community in the past decades. You are a dear soul. we are grateful!
[Perhaps we connect in Maine].
the Mamayeks- Janis * Joe * Siena * WhitTHEman * Talia
You will be missed!!! You have been around and available almost my daughters whole life. You have helped us through so many difficult things. We really appreciate all you have done for us. We will miss seeing you at conference this year.
Good luck in all your endevours.
Love Leila and Allen Turner