Why Influencer Tanner Martin Felt ‘Blessed’ to Have Cancer: Mom's Eulogy

During influencer Tanner Martin’s emotional funeral service, his mother revealed how he found a way to cope with his stage IV cancer diagnosis.

“You have been an outstanding example of faith,” his mom, Kimberly Martin, said in a eulogy delivered during his Saturday, July 5, memorial service. “Even while being very ill with cancer, if you could, you would attend sacrament meetings … in your PJs and robe.”

She added, “You taught me that you can see the blessings and love in our Savior in any situation. Because of that, it brings happiness.”

Tanner announced his own death in a pre-recorded social media video earlier this month. He was 30 and had documented his stage IV colon cancer battle via his social media accounts. (Martin was diagnosed in 2020, two years after marrying wife Shay Wright.)

“A couple years ago, I sat with you as you received chemo,” Kimberly added on Saturday. “It was quiet with a few other patients all getting chemo. I just asked you, ‘Are you angry or frustrated because I am?’ He looked surprised and said to me, ‘Ma, because of cancer, I have been so blessed. I’ve been able to experience our Savior’s love for me through others. I know I’m loved by my family, friends and those I interact with during treatments.’”

According to Tanner, he also credited his terminal cancer for introducing him to “the nurses and doctors and other patients [who] are so amazing.”

“‘I actually feel blessed,’” Kimberly recalled, before addressing her late son directly. “You chose to be happy and grateful even when you weren’t feeling well, [or] even when you were in the face of adversity. You were willing to share a smile, always willing to lift others.”

Tanner is survived by his parents, Kimberly and Thomas Martin, brother Spencer Martin, wife Wright and their newborn daughter.

“Watching you and Shay grow your family has been such a blessing and miracle to all of us,” his mom continued. “You have left an amazing legacy of faith, kindness, love and what it means to be a true disciple of our Savior for our sweet Amy Lou.”

Tanner’s dad also offered a eulogy on Saturday.

“It is an honor and pleasure to be his dad — and it still is,” Thomas tearfully said. “Shay has just been a wonderful companion. They got two years before he was diagnosed, and then they had five years with doctors’ visits and the struggle and the fight. There were still a lot of good times in those five years, but there were still a lot of other times, too. It sometimes doesn’t seem fair that I’ve had 30 Father’s Days, and Tanner had one.”