Introduction
Tanner Martin, a 30-year-old social media influencer from Utah, touched millions with his candid documentation of his five-year battle with stage 4 colon cancer. Diagnosed in November 2020 at just 25, Tanner, alongside his wife Shay Wright, shared their journey through Instagram (@tannerandshay) and TikTok, blending moments of hope, humor, and heartbreak. On May 15, 2025, they welcomed their daughter, AmyLou, only for Tanner to pass away 41 days later on June 25, 2025. His pre-recorded farewell video, shared by Shay, urged supporters to contribute to a GoFundMe campaign to secure a future for his family. This article explores Tanner’s inspiring journey, the GoFundMe effort, and how his legacy continues to inspire.
A Life Interrupted: Tanner’s Cancer Diagnosis
In November 2020, Tanner Martin received a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer, which had spread to his liver. At just 25, he faced a prognosis that deemed the illness terminal by 2023, with an estimated two to five years left (People). Over the next five years, Tanner endured over 50 rounds of chemotherapy, six major surgeries, and countless hospital visits, as detailed in a comprehensive Washington Post article. Despite the physical toll, Tanner and Shay used social media to share their story, building a community of supporters who followed their journey.
A Bittersweet Milestone: The Birth of AmyLou
In fall 2024, during a period of relative stability with a new treatment, Tanner and Shay decided to start a family through IVF, aware of the risks posed by Tanner’s condition. Shay’s pregnancy was a beacon of hope, but it coincided with Tanner’s worsening health. By early 2025, new tumors and complications emerged, yet the couple pressed forward, planning a nursery while also selecting Tanner’s casket (Washington Post).
On May 15, 2025, AmyLou, nicknamed “Jiaozi,” was born via C-section at 32/33 weeks, weighing 4 pounds 5 ounces, at Intermountain Health American Fork Hospital (Today). Tanner, frail but overjoyed, spent precious moments with his daughter, though his condition prevented prolonged hospital visits. Their story went viral, with posts like a headstone-shopping video garnering 2.6 million views on TikTok.
Tanner’s Final Days and Farewell
By June 2025, Tanner’s health declined rapidly, leading to his “brave decision” to enter hospice care, as Shay announced on social media (Salt Lake Tribune). On June 25, 2025, Shay shared Tanner’s pre-recorded video, where he announced his own death with characteristic warmth: “Hey, it’s me, Tanner. If you’re watching this, I am dead… I had a heck of a life” (National World). In the video, Tanner thanked his supporters and directed them to the GoFundMe campaign to support Shay and AmyLou.
The “Hope for Tanner” GoFundMe Campaign
The “Hope for Tanner” GoFundMe, organized by Hannah Lorsch, was launched nearly five years ago to support Tanner’s medical expenses and now focuses on providing for Shay and AmyLou. With Tanner having no life insurance, the campaign aims to cover living expenses, childcare, and AmyLou’s future needs, such as education and her wedding. The GoFundMe page notes significant community support but does not specify the total raised as of June 26, 2025. Shay provides updates on Instagram (@tannerandshay), and donations can also be made via Venmo (@Shay-Wright).
Community Impact and Legacy
Tanner and Shay’s transparency resonated deeply, as seen in their viral social media posts and a Washington Post mini-documentary. Their story inspired events like a “living funeral” in 2024, attended by over 250 people (Newsweek). Tanner’s final wish was to ensure Shay and AmyLou’s security, a goal the GoFundMe continues to support. Community responses on platforms like Reddit reflect empathy from others facing similar challenges, though specific tributes remain limited (Reddit Longreads). Also check out fintechzoom-insighst.com
Table: Key Milestones in Tanner Martin’s Journey
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Diagnosis | November 2020 | Diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at age 25, spread to liver. |
| Marriage to Shay Wright | October 2018 | Married before diagnosis, both studied behavioral science. |
| Pregnancy Announcement | November 2024 | Announced Shay’s pregnancy via IVF, amidst ongoing cancer treatment. |
| AmyLou’s Birth | May 15, 2025 | Daughter born at 32/33 weeks, weighing 4 pounds 5 ounces. |
| Hospice Care Decision | June 2025 | Tanner entered hospice to manage pain, as announced by Shay. |
| Tanner’s Passing | June 25, 2025 | Died 41 days after AmyLou’s birth; announced via pre-recorded video. |
| GoFundMe Campaign | Ongoing (since 2020) | Supports Shay and AmyLou for living expenses and future needs. |
FAQs
- What was Tanner Martin’s cause of death?
Tanner Martin passed away due to complications from stage 4 colon cancer, diagnosed in 2020 (Daily Mail). - How can I contribute to the GoFundMe for Tanner’s family?
Donations can be made at the “Hope for Tanner” GoFundMe or via Venmo (@Shay-Wright). All contributions support Shay and AmyLou. - Where can I find more about Tanner and Shay’s journey?
Follow their Instagram (@tannerandshay) or watch the Washington Post mini-documentary for detailed insights. - What is the current status of the GoFundMe campaign?
As of June 26, 2025, the campaign continues to receive donations, though exact figures are unavailable. Check the GoFundMe page for updates.
Conclusion
Tanner Martin’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and the power of community. His journey, marked by a terminal diagnosis, the joy of fatherhood, and a heartfelt farewell, continues to inspire. By supporting the “Hope for Tanner” GoFundMe, readers can honor Tanner’s legacy, ensuring Shay and AmyLou have the resources to thrive. His story reminds us to cherish life’s moments and support one another in times of need.For more information visit truevoria.com
FAQs: Tanner Martin’s Legacy and GoFundMe Campaign
- Who was Tanner Martin?
Tanner Martin was a 30-year-old social media influencer from Utah who documented his five-year battle with stage 4 colon cancer on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, alongside his wife, Shay Wright. - What was Tanner Martin’s cause of death?
Tanner passed away on June 25, 2025, due to complications from stage 4 colon cancer, which was diagnosed in November 2020 and had spread to his liver. - Who is Shay Wright?
Shay Wright is Tanner Martin’s wife. She shared their journey through cancer and parenthood, and now cares for their daughter, AmyLou, while managing the “Hope for Tanner” GoFundMe campaign. - When was Tanner and Shay’s daughter born?
Their daughter, AmyLou (nicknamed “Jiaozi”), was born on May 15, 2025, via C-section at 32/33 weeks, weighing 4 pounds 5 ounces. - What is the “Hope for Tanner” GoFundMe campaign?
The GoFundMe, launched nearly five years ago, initially supported Tanner’s medical expenses and now funds living expenses, childcare, and future needs like education for Shay and AmyLou. - How can I donate to Tanner Martin’s family?
Contributions can be made via the “Hope for Tanner” GoFundMe or through Venmo (@Shay-Wright). - Why did Tanner Martin record a farewell video?
Tanner recorded a video to announce his own death, shared by Shay on June 25, 2025, to thank supporters and encourage donations to the GoFundMe for his family’s future. - Where can I follow updates on Tanner and Shay’s story?
Updates are shared on their Instagram (@tannerandshay) and the GoFundMe page. A Washington Post mini-documentary also details their journey. - What was Tanner Martin’s impact on his community?
Tanner and Shay’s transparency inspired millions, with viral posts like their headstone-shopping video (2.6 million TikTok views) and a “living funeral” in 2024 attended by over 250 people. - What are the funds from the GoFundMe used for?
The funds support Shay and AmyLou’s living expenses, childcare, and long-term goals like AmyLou’s education and future milestones, as Tanner had no life insurance.
