Spectrefest 2026

In Memory of Jason

My name is Mike, though you may know me online as DadGamingOnline, or DGonline. I’m sharing my story in memory of my older brother, Jason.

Jason was someone I always looked up to. From the time we were kids, we bonded over computers and gaming, sharing everything from our first Commodore 64 to countless hours playing video games together. He was the responsible older brother, the one who always looked out for us.

In 2000, shortly after starting university, Jason became seriously ill. After weeks of stomach problems, dehydration and weight loss, he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a chronic form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

For the next 18 years, Jason lived with the challenges of UC. There were periods when treatment helped and he was able to live a relatively normal life, but there were also recurring flare-ups, difficult treatments and hospital visits. In 2018, his condition suddenly became much worse. Despite treatment and hospitalization, his health deteriorated rapidly, and complications during surgery ultimately took his life.

I got to see Jason one last time and say goodbye. He was my brother, my role model and one of the people I shared some of my earliest and favourite gaming memories with.

Over the years, I’ve wanted to find a way to honour Jason’s memory while helping raise awareness about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. That’s what led to Spectrefest.

On October 17, 2026, my good friend Corey (Dukey03) and I will host a 24-hour gaming livestream in Jason’s honour, raising funds and awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.

You can help by joining the stream, sharing our story, spreading the word, or making a donation. Every contribution helps support people living with IBD and the search for better treatments and, ultimately, cures.

Come join us for Spectrefest as we game for 24 hours, honour Jason’s memory, and support the IBD community.