Carolyn Karle is the Founder and President of the DEK Foundation. Carolyn is also a devoted Mom, Partner, and semi-retired Hair Stylist (40 plus years ) born and raised in Thunder Bay.

On September 19, 2021, Carolyn, Randy and their family suffered a loss that no parent or sibling should ever endure. Their beautiful, funny, charismatic, vibrant and talented daughter/sister, Dayna Elizabeth Karle, died of an unintentional drug overdose after a lengthy period of sobriety. Conceptualized by Carolyn, out of her love for Dayna, Team DEK is Dayna’s legacy; “a way to make a positive impact on the drug crisis faced in Thunder Bay”.

Carolyn has firsthand experience with the many ongoing challenges that victims, including addicted individuals and their families face in overcoming addiction-related illnesses. Limited services, long wait times, gaps within these services, and a range of stigmas leave addicted individuals vulnerable to relapses, leave families feeling isolated and hopeless, and ultimately contribute to senseless deaths and ongoing trauma.

Carolyn hopes, through Team DEK, in Dayna’s honour, to bring awareness and increased services to better support addicted individuals and their families. Showing that people DO care about those who struggle is a first step towards making a difference!