The Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation

In early January, I was on a plane to Florida with Claire Headley to see our friend Mike Rinder in what ended up being his final days.

I brought up an idea: Would the board of the Aftermath Foundation consider renaming the organization in Mike’s honor?

The Aftermath Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the mission of helping those who want to leave Scientology and the Sea Org but lack a system of support they can rely on while getting on their feet in the outside world.

The Aftermath Foundation was inspired by our A&E documentary series and those who were brave enough to tell us their stories, but the truth is, without Mike’s position in Scientology and his fearless fight to expose them after he escaped, there would have been no Aftermath series—no movement like this at all.

Many of our courageous contributors asked to share their stories largely due to Mike’s position in Scientology and his unwavering courage.

Before I could even finish my thought, Claire said tearfully, “Yes, let me take it to the board.”

Within 24 hours, the board unanimously agreed.

The Aftermath Foundation is now named the Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation.

I had hoped Claire and I would be able to tell Mike about this together—I had naively and wholeheartedly believed he was going to pull through.

It’s been nearly two months since Mike’s passing, and if I am being completely honest and vulnerable, I haven’t been able to get over this loss.

I’ve only left the house four times in a month, and I still can’t find peace with my reality without him.

I hope you all had a chance to read Mike’s final post on his blog and honor him by continuing to do the work he dedicated his life to, in whatever way you can.

I have linked to Mike’s final post at the end of this post.

Please keep Mike’s memory alive and honor his legacy by continuing the fight.

We all miss Mike very much, and my world just feels off its axis.

But we will keep working to expose Scientology and David Miscavige for what they are, and we will do it in Mike’s name.

Thank you to the board of the Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation for bringing Mike’s name into your important legacy, and thank you, in particular, to all those who help grant recipients get back on their feet after they make the brave decision to escape from Scientology.

I also want to personally thank all of you who made a contribution to the college fund of Mike and Christie’s son Jack.

Raising money for that fund was one of Mike’s final wishes.

Finally, please take a moment to learn more about the Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation—click here: https://bit.ly/41mUFbX

(Mike’s final blog post: https://bit.ly/414g9ci)