Man Diagnosed With Colon Cancer At 25 Leaves Final Message Before Passing At 30
A Final Wish for His Family’s Future
A 25-year-old man named Tanner was diagnosed with colon cancer, and by the time he was 30, he was leaving behind one last message that didn’t sound like goodbye. Instead, his final videos focused on gratitude, on the people who showed up for him, and on the strange comfort of believing there might be something next.
He and Shay were also building a family in real time, with IVF joy mixed into the hardest news Tanner had ever gotten. He shared updates during chemo, posted about his hoarse voice, and even joked about the baby slippers he expected to see soon, just days before their daughter was born on May 15.
And then his final wish landed online, tied to that same love, the same community, and one last “may the force be with you.”
Tanner embraced the end with gratitude, calling life “awesome” and thanking those who supported him.
Tanner didn’t dwell on sorrow. Instead, he reflected on the good.
“Life was awesome,” he said. “I really enjoyed it while I was here.”
He mentioned the people he hoped to reunite with—loved ones who had passed before him—and admitted he was curious, even a little excited, about whatever might come next.
“Death is scary, but it’s also like a new adventure, you know?”
He took time to thank the people who had supported him: friends, family, and thousands of strangers who followed his journey online.
“Thanks again for all your support and for helping to make the last years of my life here on Earth fun and enjoyable, and for helping me be comfortable.”
Instagram
“May the force be with you.”
The video ended with a nod to one of his favorite franchises: “May the force be with you from our angel force ghost 🤍.” Shay added a caption inviting people to watch a second clip, where Tanner shared his final wish: to raise donations that would help Shay and their daughter in the years to come.
In the weeks leading up to his death, Tanner was still posting updates. Just days before his daughter was born, he uploaded a video sharing how chemo had left his voice hoarse. Still, he was in good spirits. “Guess who arrives in six days?” he said, grinning as he held up a pair of tiny baby slippers.
That joy was real. When their daughter arrived on May 15, the couple posted a picture of themselves in the hospital, cradling the newborn. “She’s here,” the caption read. It was one of those moments where love and heartbreak somehow managed to share space.
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In November 2024, Tanner and Shay shared their IVF joy as he revealed his incurable cancer and a 2 to 5-year prognosis.
Back in November 2024, shortly after announcing their pregnancy, Tanner and Shay spoke about the mix of emotions they were feeling. They had gone through IVF and were thrilled to be expecting, but the excitement came with its weight—grief, anxiety, and uncertainty.
That same month, Tanner revealed that his cancer was no longer curable. Doctors gave him a life expectancy of two to five years. He got about a year and a half.
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Tanner’s “life was awesome” message hits different right after the video thanks his friends, family, and the thousands of strangers following his journey online.
Right as Shay and Tanner were celebrating IVF, the cancer news came with a 2 to 5-year prognosis, turning every “we’re expecting” update into something heavier.
It also reminds me of a sibling feud sparked by a storage-room renovation that turned into a “dream room” fight.
Open communication about health challenges is crucial for families facing similar situations. Discussing illness can help family members process emotions and foster resilience.
He suggests creating an environment where all family members can express their feelings and concerns openly, which can be particularly beneficial for children who might not understand the gravity of the situation.
By encouraging dialogue, families can strengthen their bonds and provide emotional support, making the journey through illness less isolating and more collaborative.
The moment Tanner holds up tiny baby slippers, grinning through chemo side effects, makes the later hospital photo of “She’s here” feel almost impossible.
Incorporating wellness practices can significantly improve quality of life during health battles.
He recommends a diet rich in whole foods, regular physical activity, and mindfulness practices. This holistic approach not only aids in physical health but also supports mental resilience.
By implementing these strategies, patients and their families can not only cope better with illness but also create a legacy of health and wellness for future generations.
Then the clip ends with that “May the force be with you” line and a push for donations to support Shay and their daughter, tying his final days to his final mission.
Still, in that time, Tanner lived in a way that few people manage. He faced his diagnosis with honesty, chose to become a father despite the risks, and made space for laughter and gratitude even in his final message.
He wasn’t trying to be brave or inspiring; he was just being himself. And now, even in his absence, Tanner’s voice continues to echo—not as a goodbye, but as the last post in a story that many won’t forget.
The journey of Tanner Martin highlights the critical role of vulnerability when confronting life-threatening illnesses. His public battle with colon cancer, shared widely on social media, did not just inform but also fostered a sense of community and empathy among his followers. Tanner's openness about his diagnosis at the young age of 25 served as a powerful reminder of the importance of discussing health issues candidly.
Through his story, Tanner contributed to a greater understanding of colon cancer, particularly the need for early detection and prevention. His advocacy for health literacy is a legacy that resonates beyond his personal experience, encouraging others to prioritize their health and seek support. In honoring Tanner's courage, we are also reminded of the potential impact of sharing our struggles, which can inspire others to take proactive steps in their own health journeys.
Tanner didn’t just leave a message, he left a plan, and it’s still unfolding for Shay and their daughter.
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Damjan
