Mike Rinder steps down from Aftermath Foundation board amid cancer battle
Yesterday, the Aftermath Foundation released a statement that Mike Rinder has stepped down from its board.
“In July 2024, Mike took a medical leave from the board to put some much needed focus on his health,” said the message posted by AF president Claire Headley. “At this time, Mike has made the difficult decision to step down from the board altogether, since he needs to continue to focus on his health and his family.”
We’ve been very fortunate that during this period, Mike has continued to be very helpful to us here at the Bunker, answering our questions and keeping us updated on his journey. (He had a couple of hurricanes come through recently, for example, and assured us that he and Christie Collbran and their boys were getting through it just fine.)
We have been encouraged by updates from Christie about the terrific medical team they have assembled, and that’s why we remain optimistic about the outcomes for Mike. But for now we can understand why they want to keep the focus on getting through this mess.
(The photo, above, is from this past February when the whole family was treated to a special tour of Washington DC’s landmarks by the Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation.)
The Aftermath Foundation does great work, and we know it will carry on while Mike is away. And we agree completely with Claire’s heartfelt message…
“Mike, you are a true inspiration and one of the best examples of steadfast persistence in your commitment to staying the course. The world’s perception of Scientology has dramatically changed in the last decade, in no small part thanks to your tireless work. Thank you so much for all you have done to contribute to the mission of The Aftermath Foundation. We wish you good health and happiness.”
Claire is so correct that Mike has been instrumental in helping to change the public’s understanding of Scientology. From taking part in the special 2009 series at the Tampa Bay Times and subsequent television coverage of it, to co-starring with Leah Remini on their monumental 2016-2019 series Scientology and the Aftermath.
And if you have not yet had a chance to read Mike’s first-rate memoir, A Billion Years, please do so. We were stunned at how much Scientology history Mike covered in that book, and from his perspective of living it.
What a job Mike Rinder has done, and we look forward to his further accomplishments after he gets back.
Bonus items from our tipsters
Says our tipster who took this shot yesterday of Scientology’s barge: “Just in case someone missed the boat and they are trying to catch up to the Freewinds, she is in Aruba today docked next to our Princess cruise ship. Things look very quiet on board.”
And the Baton Rouge mission wants to calm your nerves.
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Source Code: Actual things founder L. Ron Hubbard said on this date in history
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Mike Rinder was an important part of my leaving Scientology and deprogramming back in 2012. His blog was part of my daily routine of ridding myself of the deep brainwashing I had been ingrained in my psyche for 46 years. And when I needed support for my Documentary Brothers Broken was right there as a participant who is part of the documentary.
Brothers Broken trailer & website
https://www.brothersbroken.com
I had my own battles with cancer and I can say, it consumes your energy and attention. I am flowing Mike positive energy. He deserves our support. His courage and perseverance has helped change countless lives for the better, including me.
I recorded my second podcast with Mike the weekend before he started chemo. He was racing to get several in the can before he started. When there were no posts on his website since October 26, I got uneasy. I was going to send him an email today. But it’s a balancing act. I consider him my friend, but he’s a public figure. He gets so much on his plate because of this. Thank you, Tony, for the update. Cancer sucks. What cancer doesn’t take from you, chemo will. I hate it when my friends hurt. It makes me cry.