The $720,000+ Success: 5 Shocking Facts About The Tanner And Shay GoFundMe And Its Philanthropic Legacy

The GoFundMe campaign for Tanner and Shay Martin became one of the most emotionally resonant and financially successful online fundraisers in recent memory, surpassing an astonishing $720,000. This monumental outpouring of support followed the tragic death of social media influencer Tanner Martin, who had bravely documented his five-year battle with colon cancer. As of today, December 17, 2025, the story continues to evolve, not just as a tale of grief and financial support, but as a powerful narrative of philanthropic legacy, with Tanner's wife, Shay Martin, turning the community's generosity into a lasting force for good.

The Martin family’s journey—from a devastating terminal diagnosis to the birth of their first child and the subsequent loss—captured the hearts of millions, transforming a personal tragedy into a viral movement known as #TannerStrong. The funds raised were intended to fulfill Tanner’s final wish: to provide for his wife and their newborn daughter, but the sheer volume of donations has allowed Shay to establish a powerful, multi-faceted charitable effort in his honor.

Tanner and Shay Martin: A Brief Biography and Timeline

The story of Tanner and Shay Martin is one of love, resilience, and a public battle against an aggressive disease. Their relationship and Tanner's health journey were openly shared with a massive following online, creating a deep connection with supporters globally.

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• Tanner Martin (Husband):
• Full Name: Tanner Martin
• Died: June 25, 2023, at age 30
• Cause of Death: Stage 4 Colon Cancer (diagnosed at age 25)
• Role: Social media influencer who documented his cancer journey and shared his final pre-recorded farewell video.
• Final Wish: To ensure his wife and daughter were provided for after his death.
• Shay Martin (Wife):
• Full Name: Shay Wright Martin (Maiden name: Shay Wright)
• Role: Tanner's wife, a mother, and a master's student.
• Current Role: Philanthropist and advocate, running the nonprofit Rebels Against Cancer.
• Daughter:
• Full Name: AmyLou Martin
• Born: May 15, 2023
• Context: Born just 41 days before her father's passing.

The Anatomy of the Viral GoFundMe Success

The GoFundMe campaign, titled "Tanner's Final Wish," was not the couple's first online fundraiser, but it was by far the most impactful. Over the years, the Martins had utilized crowdfunding for various needs related to Tanner’s illness, including medical expenses, fertility planning, and even Shay’s tuition costs.

The final, massive GoFundMe was launched to provide long-term financial stability for Shay and baby AmyLou. The campaign quickly gained traction, driven by Tanner’s raw, honest, and often humorous documentation of his terminal diagnosis on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This transparency fostered a community that felt personally invested in his family's future.

The fundraiser’s success was historic, soaring past its initial goal to exceed $720,000. This immense financial support was a direct answer to Tanner’s dying wish, providing a safety net for his wife and daughter as they navigated life without him. The funds were structured into four phases to address immediate needs, early parenthood expenses, long-term care, and the continuation of Tanner's legacy.

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Shay Martin’s Incredible Pledge: Turning Grief into Philanthropy

The most recent and significant update to the Tanner and Shay Martin story is Shay’s decision to share the excess funds, transforming the GoFundMe from a personal relief effort into a powerful charitable foundation. This act of generosity has become a key part of Tanner’s lasting legacy and a testament to the couple’s commitment to cancer advocacy.

After the total donations surpassed the $500,000 mark, Shay Martin publicly announced a major philanthropic pledge. This decision was a direct reflection of the couple's desire to help others facing similar challenges, ensuring that the community's kindness would multiply.

The Breakdown of the Philanthropic Pledge

Shay Martin committed a significant portion of the funds raised over the $500,000 threshold to various cancer-fighting initiatives. The breakdown of the excess donations is as follows:

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• 25% to Rebels Against Cancer: This portion was pledged to the nonprofit organization co-founded by Shay and Tanner Martin. Rebels Against Cancer is a 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to fighting cancer and supporting patients and their families.
• 25% to Establish a Scholarship Fund: An additional 25% of the excess donations will be used to create a dedicated scholarship in Tanner Martin’s name. This fund aims to support students who are either cancer survivors, are battling cancer, or whose lives have been significantly impacted by the disease.
• Further Support to Man Up to Cancer: In an act of secondary philanthropy, Shay also pledged that Rebels Against Cancer would donate half of its share to the organization Man Up to Cancer. This group focuses specifically on providing a community and resources for men navigating a cancer diagnosis.

This multi-layered approach ensures that the GoFundMe’s success directly benefits cancer patients, survivors, and students for years to come, extending the impact of Tanner’s life far beyond his passing. Shay’s actions solidified the #TannerStrong movement as one defined by hope, community, and active charity.

The Legacy of #TannerStrong and Colon Cancer Awareness

The Martin family’s public journey did more than just raise funds; it significantly raised awareness about the rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer. Tanner's diagnosis at age 25, a time when such cancers are often overlooked, highlighted the critical need for earlier screening and greater public awareness.

The GoFundMe’s success is intrinsically linked to this advocacy. By sharing their story, Tanner and Shay provided a face to the statistics, encouraging countless followers to take their health seriously and push for necessary medical testing. The creation of the Rebels Against Cancer nonprofit further institutionalizes this mission, providing a sustained platform for education, support, and financial aid to those in need.

The overwhelming community response, the $720,000+ raised, and the subsequent philanthropic pledges demonstrate the immense power of social media for collective good. The Tanner and Shay GoFundMe will be remembered not just for the money it raised, but for the enduring legacy of a young man whose final wish was transformed into a powerful, ongoing movement to fight the disease that took his life.