Tanner And Shay GoFundMe: 5 Shocking Facts About The $720K Campaign And The 'Rebels Against Cancer' Legacy

The story of Tanner and Shay Martin has captured the hearts and attention of millions globally, transforming a personal battle against cancer into a monumental public fundraising effort. As of today, December 10, 2025, the GoFundMe campaign established to support Shay Martin and her newborn daughter has surpassed an astonishing $720,000, becoming one of the most significant personal fundraisers in recent memory. This massive surge in donations followed the tragic death of influencer Tanner Martin on June 25, 2025, fulfilling his final wish to secure his family’s future after a five-year fight with stage four colon cancer. The funds, however, are now at the center of a complex narrative involving philanthropy, multiple past campaigns, and his widow's commitment to giving back through her non-profit organization, Rebels Against Cancer.

The Martin family's journey, which was meticulously documented by Tanner on social media, resonated deeply with the public, turning their private struggle in American Fork, Utah, into a powerful testament to community support. While the overwhelming generosity is undeniable, the campaign’s history and the allocation of the massive final sum have sparked significant conversation, raising questions about transparency and the future of the funds that were intended to provide for his wife and their daughter.

Tanner and Shay Martin: A Complete Biography and Timeline

Tanner and Shay Martin (also known as Shay Wright) were a Utah-based couple whose life became an open book to their large social media following as they navigated a devastating cancer diagnosis and the dream of starting a family. Their story is a powerful blend of love, advocacy, and a public battle against a growing health crisis.

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• Tanner Benjamin Martin:
  • Age at Death: 30 years old.
  • Location: American Fork, Utah.
  • Diagnosis: Stage four colon cancer (diagnosed five years prior).
  • Public Role: Content creator and influencer, known for sharing his journey with terminal illness, including a pre-recorded farewell video.
  • Death Date: June 25, 2025.
• Shay Martin (née Wright):
  • Profession: Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Monarch Family Counseling.
  • Business: Co-owner of Tanner and Shay LLC.
  • Non-Profit Founder: Founder of the 501c3 organization, Rebels Against Cancer.
• Family & Key Dates:
  • Marriage: Married for approximately 7 years (as of 2025).
  • Daughter's Birth: May 15, 2025 (41 days before Tanner's death).
  • Dying Wish: To ensure his wife and newborn daughter were financially secure.

The GoFundMe Phenomenon: How the Campaign Reached $720,000

The final GoFundMe campaign, titled to support Tanner's journey, was amplified exponentially after his pre-recorded farewell video went viral. The campaign's goal was initially set to cover immediate needs, fertility planning, and future security for Shay and their baby girl. The outpouring of support was a direct response to the raw, honest, and deeply emotional way Tanner Martin shared his final wishes with the world.

The campaign's success can be broken down into five key elements that answered public curiosity and fueled the massive donation total:

1. The Farewell Video's Impact: Tanner's decision to pre-record his own death announcement and express his final wish for his family created an unprecedented emotional connection with his audience. This unique, poignant act drove a massive surge of donations from the public, who felt compelled to fulfill his dying request.
2. The Newborn Daughter's Story: The fact that Tanner passed away just 41 days after his daughter's birth—a birth he fought hard to be present for—added a layer of urgency and tragedy. Donors were motivated by the desire to help a new mother and fatherless infant.
3. Stage Four Colon Cancer Advocacy: Tanner's five-year battle with stage four colon cancer, a disease increasingly affecting young adults, positioned him as an advocate. His story resonated with a broad community of cancer fighters and their families, who saw the GoFundMe as a way to honor his fight.
4. The Goal for Financial Security: The campaign was clearly defined with four phases, focusing on medical expenses, fertility planning (which led to their daughter's birth), and long-term financial stability. This transparent, phased approach gave donors a clear understanding of where their money was going.
5. Media and Social Media Virality: Major news outlets and social media platforms picked up the story, turning it into a national headline. This exposure propelled the donation total well beyond its initial goal, ultimately surpassing $720,000.

The Controversy and Commitment: Shay Martin's Philanthropic Pledge

While the overwhelming success of the GoFundMe is a story of incredible generosity, the Martin family's financial history has been a subject of discussion online. Public records and social media posts indicate that Tanner and Shay Martin were associated with as many as seven different fundraisers over a five-year period, covering various needs from medical costs to tuition and even a game room. This history led some online commentators to question the need for the final, immense fundraising effort.

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In response to the massive final total, Shay Martin (Wright) made a significant public commitment to address the surplus funds and demonstrate her philanthropic intent. This pledge introduced a new layer of complexity and purpose to the GoFundMe's legacy:

The Rebels Against Cancer Initiative

Shay Martin is the founder of Rebels Against Cancer, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization. The organization's mission is to help cancer fighters and their families "embrace life beyond treatment" by creating unforgettable experiences together. This entity became the primary beneficiary of the excess funds raised.

• The Donation Pledge: Shay announced that 25% of all donations that exceeded the $500,000 mark would be donated directly to Rebels Against Cancer.
• Establishing a Foundation: An additional 25% of the excess funds was pledged to establish a new foundation. The purpose of this foundation is to secure a long-term, sustainable source of funding for the non-profit's operations and mission.
• Impact on Funds: With the campaign surpassing $720,000, this pledge means that a substantial portion of the $220,000 surplus is being redirected back into the cancer community, transforming Tanner’s legacy from a personal safety net into a broader charitable effort.

This commitment by Shay Martin to donate half of the surplus funds above $500,000 to her non-profit and a new foundation serves to solidify Tanner's story as a lasting source of support for other families facing similar battles. It shifts the narrative from one of personal financial relief to a powerful, ongoing philanthropic movement against colon cancer and its impact on young families.

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The Lasting Legacy of Tanner Martin

Tanner Martin’s final act—the pre-recorded video announcing his own death—did more than just raise money; it sparked a critical conversation about the rising incidence of colon cancer in young adults and the importance of early screening. His transparency about his stage four diagnosis and the emotional toll of the disease has been cited by medical professionals as a powerful public health message.

The $720,000 GoFundMe, while designed to provide for his wife and daughter, has evolved into a symbol of community solidarity. The funds that remain with Shay Martin will ensure the financial security that Tanner desperately wanted for his family, allowing her to raise their daughter without the immediate burden of financial instability. Meanwhile, the pledged contributions to Rebels Against Cancer will ensure that the Martin name continues to be synonymous with hope and support for the cancer community for years to come. This enduring legacy, built on vulnerability, viral generosity, and a commitment to philanthropy, ensures that Tanner and Shay's story remains a powerful and relevant entity in the ongoing fight against cancer.