Community rallies behind Park City police officer’s family as wife faces terminal illness

A fundraiser has been launched to help Tyler and Cynthia Parker’s family with medical and household expenses as Cynthia faces terminal cancer. Photo: Tanzi Propst

PARK CITY, Utah — A fundraiser has been launched to support the family of Park City Police Officer Tyler Parker as his wife, Cynthia, enters the terminal stages of cancer.

The GoFundMe campaign, organized by Ben Powers of Park City, says Cynthia Parker has been battling cancer and has “exhausted every available treatment and option.” The campaign was created to help the family cover medical bills, household costs, and other expenses as they focus on time together. As of Thursday, the fundraiser had raised $15,070 toward a $26,000 goal, with 52 donations.

“For years, Tyler Parker has dedicated his life to serving and protecting others as a law enforcement officer in Utah,” the fundraiser states. “Today, Tyler and his family are facing a battle that no one should have to endure alone.”

Parker has worked in law enforcement for nearly two decades. According to a Park City Police Department staff report included in a Utah public notice document, Parker worked for the Cache County Sheriff’s Office from 2007 to 2014, serving in roles including corrections deputy, work-release coordinator, and SWAT team operator. He joined the Summit County Sheriff’s Office in 2014, where he served as a corrections deputy, patrol deputy, DEA task force officer, and SWAT team member, before joining the Park City Police Department in late 2023.

The document states Parker has been married for 18 years and has five children.

According to the campaign, the family is facing expenses related to medical treatments, hospital stays, specialist care, medications, travel, and ongoing healthcare needs. The fundraiser says donations will help provide stability while Parker supports Cynthia and their loved ones.

The campaign also asks community members who cannot donate to share the fundraiser and keep the Parker family in their thoughts.

The fundraiser is listed in GoFundMe’s medical category and includes donation protection through the platform.