I first met Tyler Johnson in 1999 when he was a senior at Tahoma High School. He helped me start the Maple Valley Lacrosse Club and was one of my first team captains. He led us to a state title that year and then returned as a coach to help us win another state title in 2000.
You may know his folks: Craig and Vonnie Johnson, both educators in the Tahoma School District. Or you may know his younger brother Brian, who now is my assistant varsity coach.
Tyler is 27 and married now. He and Kelli have one daughter, Evelyn, born on Feb. 12. They own a condo in Kent. Kelli works as a first year teacher, while Tyler was working as a supervisor for a local moving company.
Last fall Tyler experienced some vision problems. He was finally diagnosed with two brain tumors. Tests have been done and he is in for some serious radiation treatment and/or chemotherapy to reduce the size of the tumors. His vision is now affected in both eyes, and his hearing has been reduced in one ear. Tyler is obviously not employable for the foreseeable future.
Tyler and Kelli have the support of their families, but they need our support as well. Kelli’s income does not cover all their monthly expenses, especially with a new baby. We have opened an account at the Covington branch of US Bank in the name of the Tyler Johnson Donation Fund. We are asking all in our lacrosse community and the Maple Valley community to make a contribution to this fund. A single donation will be great, but even a $25 donation every month can make a big difference when you multiply it by the many in our community. Nancy and I will be donating $100 every month towards this effort. We will advise everyone when they no longer need our help. I hope we can count on your support. Any level of contribution will help Tyler & Kelli during this difficult time in their lives.
If you would like to help, please make checks payable to the Tyler Johnson Donation Fund and mail to: US Bank, 17601 S.E. 272nd St., Covington, WA 98042. Or you can make a deposit to this Fund in person at any US Bank Branch. 100
Vern Smith and Nancy McHenry
Maple Valley
