Support Mike Yanik's Family During Their Time of Loss
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In Memory of Mike Yanik: Help Support His Legacy
Our beloved father's journey came to an end, leaving behind a legacy of unconditional love, unwavering determination, and countless lives touched by his kindness. As his children, we're reaching out for support during this difficult time as we honor the memory of an extraordinary man who never gave up, no matter the obstacles life presented.
A Life of Determination and Love
Our father embodied the American Dream when he arrived in the United States at age 20, full of hope and determination. With hard work and dedication, he built a successful auto repair business from the ground up. His infectious smile and genuine heart made him beloved by customers and friends alike. He was known for giving people second chances and always seeing the best in others—a quality that unfortunately led to one of his life's greatest challenges.
Through an unimaginable betrayal by a trusted family member, our father lost everything he had built. His business partner stripped away his life's work, stealing his savings and selling their shared property before disappearing. Despite this devastating setback, our father's primary concern remained his family's well-being.
Rising From the Ashes
Forced to relocate to Turkey, his homeland, our father rebuilt his life from scratch. Yet again, fate dealt another cruel blow when someone he trusted betrayed him, taking his honestly earned money once more. The emotional toll was severe enough to require hospitalization, but our father's spirit remained unbroken.
In a testament to his incredible resilience, he chose to return to America, starting over yet again—this time from absolute zero. The past seven years have been filled with immense challenges, including periods of homelessness and constant financial struggles. Through it all, our father maintained his positive outlook and loving nature, teaching us that family bonds and love can overcome any hardship.
Our Current Situation
Our father was our family's primary provider, and his passing has left us in an extremely difficult position. While my brother and I both work, we're now facing:
- Outstanding debts
- Ongoing living expenses for our mother
How You Can Help
We're seeking to raise $75,000 to help our family navigate this challenging transition and honor our father's memory. Your contribution, no matter the size, will help us:
- Support our mother during this transition
- Begin addressing the overwhelming debt burden
- Maintain stable housing for our family
A Legacy of Love
Our father taught us that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the love we share and the lives we touch. Even in our darkest moments, his smile never dimmed, and his faith in humanity never wavered. He showed us that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you can always get back up with dignity and grace.
Any support you can offer—whether financial contributions, sharing our story, or keeping our family in your thoughts—would mean the world to us. Help us honor the memory of a man who never stopped believing in the good in people, even when life tested that belief time and time again.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story and consider supporting our family during this difficult time.
With deep gratitude,
Ashley, Jason and Leda Yanik
Organizer
Ashley Yanik
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA