For the children of Cpl Michael J Tanner, USMC

Corporal Michael J. Tanner passed away on August 14, 2023 after a hard fought battle with Glioblastoma. Cpl Tanner leaves behind 4 children who need your help.

Corporal Michael J. Tanner served in the Marine Corps from 2009-2014, Cpl Tanner was stationed in Twentynine Palms, California with 1st Battalion 7th Marines. During his time in the Marine Corps, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). In 2013 Michael was preparing to transition out of the Marine Corps to pursue a nursing career, he was put on a medical hold due to concerning signs that something was wrong with his brain.

During that time Michael was treated in the ER abord 29 Palms and through a CT scan, they found a small cyst on his pineal gland. The ER discharged Michael with little concern regarding the cyst and stated, “Many people experience cysts all over/in their bodies and to follow up with primary care once discharged.”

Fast forward 8 years, in October 2021 Michael was experiencing the same concerning symptoms followed by 2 emergency surgeries and was eventually diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an incurable brain tumor, which carried a life expectancy of 12-18 months, likely caused by the burn pits in Afghanistan.

Michael underwent many rounds of chem and sadly began hospice care not long ago in his home in Arizona. They were watching him closely and keeping him comfortable until his final days.

Michael leaves behind four beautiful children all under the age of ten. Chase Tanner, 9 (Chase was born on Michael’s birthday, April 16th) Karson Tanner, 8 Hunter Tanner, 5 Penelope Tanner, 4. The children’s mother, Carly, will carry the burden of having to tell her children their father is no longer here and will be left taking care of them without any support or comfort from their father. No child should have to endure this, and no mother should have to hear or see their children in such emotional and mental stress and anguish.

Carly was also a Marine and served with VMU-3 and HMLA-367 during her time in the Corps. She recently completed a 3-year contract, serving the Air Force as a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) instructor. Currently she works for Slick Rock Tanning and Spa while pursuing a career with Spokane County Sherriff Department and attending college. Like Michael, Carly has always had a passion to serve, of which she continues to do today.

The children are grieving their father and it’s only right we help support them as they prepare to say goodbye. This GoFundMe is an effort to help offset the cost of childcare, cost of living, basic needs. It will assist Carly in getting the children the help and support they need along with anything else necessary for Chase, Karson, Hunter, and Penelope to live a fulfilled life without their father.

The Marine Corps is small, but mighty and has always been a family from day one. The Marine Corps always takes care of their own, so it’s time to take care of the children of the Marine Corps.