Leah Remini Instagram – 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?
@aftermathfdn 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 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.
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 had a chance to read Mike’s final post on his blog (linked in my bio) and honor him by continuing to do the work he dedicated his life to, in whatever way you can.
We all miss Mike very much, 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 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.
I also want to personally thank all of you who made a contribution to the college fund of Mike and Christie’s son Jack.
Finally, please click the link in my bio to learn more about the Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation. | Posted on 22/Feb/2025 01:13:09
