The Brave Final Chapter of Tanner Martin’s Battle with Colon Cancer

The internet is mourning the passing of social media influencer Tanner Martin, who died at the age of 30 after a valiant five‑year fight against stage 4 colon cancer. His story, both heart-wrenching and inspiring, reached its poignant peak this June when he released a pre-recorded video announcing his own death, just weeks after welcoming his daughter, AmyLou, with his wife, Shay Wright.

A Journey Marked by Resilience and Authenticity

Tanner’s story begins in November 2020, when he was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal (colon) cancer at the age of 25. Despite being young and healthy, he faced persistent stomach pain and constipation—classic early signs that were initially dismissed due to his age .

• Diagnosis delayed: Initial blood tests came back normal, delaying much-needed diagnostics for six months.

• Cancer progression: By the time a colonoscopy was performed, the disease had already metastasized to his liver and later other organs.

• Treatment history: Over the subsequent years, Tanner endured more than 50 rounds of chemo and radiation, underwent six major surgeries, and survived over 100 ER visits.

Throughout, he remained transparent with his vast online following, sharing deeply personal moments from treatment sessions to IVF procedures. With Shay by his side, the couple founded Rebels Against Cancer, a nonprofit aimed at raising awareness of early-onset colon cancer.

Milestones in Tanner Martin’s Cancer Journey

The Final Goodbye: A Video Message and Last Wish

On June 25, 2025, Shay shared the video Tanner had recorded, beginning with:

“Hey, it's me, Tanner. If you're watching this, I am dead.” 

Over five emotional minutes, he reflected on a life well-lived, expressed hope in an afterlife, and humorously referred to death as “a new adventure”. Tanner revealed his greatest love and legacy: his wife and newborn daughter, and shared a heartfelt request—to help secure their future by donating to their GoFundMe. Initially aimed at $250,000, the fund quickly raised over $500,000, later extended by another $400,000.

Why Tanner’s Story Resonates

1. Raising awareness of early-onset colon cancer
   Traditionally seen in older adults, cases among young people like Tanner are increasing. Experts cite factors such as obesity, poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental exposure.

2. Transparency in terminal illness
   Tanner’s openness—sharing painful treatments, emotional lows, and moments of joy—created a supportive community and offered comfort to those in similar battles.

3. Brave end-of-life planning
   From recording his death announcement to arranging a living funeral and setting up financial safeguards, he reframed illness as an opportunity for love, legacy, and preparedness.

4. Navigating parenthood amidst terminal illness
   IVF during cancer treatment and meeting his newborn before passing underscores Tanner’s commitment to family, even when time was limited.

Lessons Tanner Leaves Behind

• Don’t ignore bowel changes—constipation, cramps, or bleeding—even if young, these can be warning signs.

• Push for early screenings—delays in diagnostics, especially for young adults, can cost precious time in treatment.

• Live fully, even while sick—Tanner’s living funeral and life-affirming moments defied expectation and inspired many.

• Plan ahead, even for the end—heaving finances and legacies organized is an act of love, not morbidness.

• Community matters—support systems, both online and offline, provided comfort and helped channel grief into action.

Conclusion

Tanner Martin's story is one of remarkable strength, vulnerability, and intentional legacy. Though diagnosed with a terminal illness at just 25, he transformed pain into purpose. He openly shared his journey with the world, not to seek sympathy, but to educate, inspire, and connect. His final months, filled with the joy of becoming a father and the sorrow of preparing to say goodbye, reflect a profound acceptance of life’s impermanence.