Hi, my name is Lauren Parker, and I’m creating this GoFundMe for someone who means so much to our family and to so many others in our community — my mom’s husband, who we lovingly call Grandpa Mike. To countless students over the past 29 years, he’s known as Mr. Yunkherr — or simply “Mr. Y.” He wasn’t just a teacher in our community; he was my 6th grade teacher, and now he’s family. A boy dad, a girl grandpa and a loving husband.

For 29 years, Mr. Y dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring students. He wasn’t just a teacher — he was a steady presence, a role model, and someone who genuinely cared about the people he taught. His impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping lives in ways that can’t be measured.

Recently, our lives were turned upside down when Grandpa Mike was diagnosed with cancer. As he continues this difficult journey, we are hoping to surround him with the same love and support he has so freely given to others over the years.

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A Message from Mike Yunkherr:

I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (lung cancer) of the left lung. My procedure was a left pneumonectomy, which means my entire left lung was removed. When I was first diagnosed, the cancer was contained in one lobe. However, by the time of surgery, it had spread throughout the left lung, making full removal the best option.

Because of this, I lost my insurance and pay through the school district I served for 29 years. I was unable to return to work within the allotted time the district required, and I need more time to heal. Recovery from a pneumonectomy typically takes 3–6 months after chemotherapy, along with physical therapy, to regain about 70–80% of normal breathing.

I also have a year of immunotherapy, a treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. In addition, my Hereditary Cancer Risk Test came back positive, meaning I will be monitored every six months for the rest of my life.

Every six months, I also receive RUXIENCE infusions to manage my rheumatoid arthritis.

This support will help tremendously by easing financial stress and allowing me to focus fully on healing and recovery. These funds will help cover lost income, medical expenses, insurance costs (COBRA), ongoing treatments, and daily living needs while I focus on healing after having to retire early, even when I wasn’t ready to, due to this cancer.

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Please Pray Before You Donate

Your prayers have already worked miracles in my life:

• I’ve kept my hair

• No nausea

• Nighttime pain stopped

• A peace I don’t understand

• A closeness to Jesus that is real and sustaining

• Four seven-hour infusions where Jesus kept me busy

• My son sitting with me every time

• An overwhelming outpouring of cards, texts, and calls — AMAZING, HEARTWARMING, UPLIFTING, and HEALING

• Skin rash gone

• Regaining strength and stamina

• My wife’s incredible support

• Paid Leave Oregon

• The knowledge and skill of doctors and nurses

• Time with Jesus

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Mike Yunkherr

Elementary Teacher

• 3rd Grade – 8 years

• 5th Grade – 11 years

• 6th Grade – 10 years

Coached Jr. High Basketball – JV & Varsity

I’ve had an incredible journey in education. I truly never worked a day in my life. I loved my job, the students, the parents, my fellow educators, and the relationships built along the way. This career was amazing, humbling, exciting, fun, memorable, life-changing, and deeply fulfilling. I have been incredibly blessed by God with a 29-year career in education.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

I would not be who I am without all of you in my life. It has truly been the greatest honor of my life to teach, mentor, and make a difference in the lives of so many students over the past 29 years. I am forever grateful for the support, prayers, and love from this incredible community.