Meet Mike Dykema, Sequel Maker

By Jeff Myhre

​Mike Dykema joined Jack’s in August 2023. Mike saw that he was heading for heartache and knew that he needed the kind of help that only a someone unfamiliar to him, but with a similar experience could tackle.

I remember sitting down with Mike just days after the loss of his wife, Emily. He was heartbroken angry and lost… just like I was a quarter century earlier, when I was a young man, living with loss, like Mike.

Mike was encouraged to lean on his fellow widowers at Jack’s, and for a while, we spoke with Mike frequently. He soon found purpose in remembering Emily, by starting his own foundation called The Gem Project, in memory of her. The Gem Project held it’s first fundraiser on the anniversary of Emily’s passing.

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How Has Jack's Helped?

I asked Mike how Jack’s has shaped his caregiving journey. He said, “Jack’s provided me clarity that can only come from someone outside of my family and friends. The Klatches are key giving me perspective… it’s nice to hear the same thoughts (from other sequel makers) that have walked the same journey as me.”
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Mike also had this bit of wisdom to share to those grieving:”Know that there are other out there that are insightful and experienced that can help. Jack’s is an amazing way to start.

Mike Is a Jack's Ambassador

​You can meet him at The Big GIVE on November 1st and at CaregiverCON on November 2nd. Please consider sponsoring one of these events to support Caregivers and Sequel Makers like Mike.