A tribute from Michael J. Tomlinson (MT), BDI CEO and President
As time passes, it remains challenging to accept the loss of our dear friend and colleague, BDI’s Chief Client Officer, Lolly Colombo. However, let us find solace in knowing that her legacy continues to inspire us.
As many of you know, recently and unexpectedly Lolly had been fiercely battling a rare and aggressive autoimmune disease that specifically attacks the lungs, MDA5 Dermatomyositis. This variant affects only 1-in-30 million people. Throughout her fight, Lolly kept her courageous heart, her cheerful optimism and her faith that the Lord was in control and guiding her every step of the way.
While we mourn Lolly’s absence among us, we rejoice that her battle is over and celebrate the continuing impact of her life upon each of us.
“I have a timeline, but the Lord has His own… I walk with Him through every cell in my body every night and reclaim it for His Kingdom.”
– a message from Lolly, shared with the BDI team in her last days with us
Indeed, throughout her battle, Lolly’s thoughts and faithful exhortation was hopeful and prayerful for each of her colleagues, including the nonprofit client partners she had been called to serve. She was deeply touched by the sentiments and prayers offered on her behalf.
The BDI team’s hearts are incredibly heavy, and we mourn this difficult loss with Lolly’s family and friends. As a unified body with our passion to serve, this loss touches each of us deeply and we mourn for a vibrant and dynamic part of our community.
Lolly’s spirit is forever ingrained in every aspect of BDI – especially what it means to serve alongside you, our nonprofit partners caring for our world’s hurting and those in greatest need. It’s impossible to express in words just how much she meant to us all.
With her passing, we are committed to carrying the torch and serving BDI’s valued client partners and our broader nonprofit community with the same level of passion, grace and understanding she extended to all.
We look forward to seeing the many seeds Lolly planted during her time at BDI bear abundant fruit – for the good of our client partners, for the benefit of those they serve and for the glory of God. Lolly’s life was a gift that continues to bless us. We are better as individuals and as an agency for having known her.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:1-6
Please click here to read more about Lolly’s inspiring life and legacy >>
With gratitude for your compassion,
