Support Tanner's Legacy of Love, Healing, and Hope (UPDATE)

Hello everyone, this is a fundraiser in honor of Tanner—a loving husband, a proud father, and a beautiful soul who touched the lives of so many with his courage and humor, even in the face of terminal illness. This GoFundMe was set up at the request of Tanner to be activated upon his passing.

Tanner was only 30 years old when he passed away from colon cancer. Diagnosed so young, he didn’t have life insurance and knew that time was short. In one of his final messages, he said, “I just want to know that Jiaozi (his new baby daughter, AmyLou’s nickname) and Shay will be okay.” With the time he had left, his heart was focused on their future—providing for his baby girl’s dreams, college, or wedding, and making sure his wife wasn’t left to carry it all alone.

Your support—whether it's $1, $5, $50, or more—goes directly to helping Tanner’s two greatest loves, Shay and AmyLou, move forward with hope and security.

For less than the price of a hot and spicy McChicken (Tanner’s words…LOL), you can give them a future Tanner only wished he could stay to provide.

Thank you for keeping it real and for preserving Tanner’s legacy.

From Tanner:

“Love you guys. Keep it real. Mwah!” ❤️

We initially set a goal of $250,000, but after consulting with trusted advisors and receiving input from hundreds of donors, we adjusted the campaign goal to $750,000, where it has remained. These cherished donations will help fulfill Tanner’s final wish: a secure life for his wife and daughter. Here’s how that support will help:

Phase 1 – Immediate Needs (Next 12–18 Months)

Help Shay and AmyLou stabilize after Tanner’s passing

• Housing & Utilities: (1–1.5 years of rent/mortgage, utilities)

• Food & Basic Living

• Grief Counseling & Therapy

• Infant/Toddler Expenses (diapers, formula, baby supplies)

• Medical Bills & Funeral Costs

Phase 2 – Early Childhood (Ages 2–5)

Support Shay as she returns to work or school while raising AmyLou

• Childcare/Preschool

• Clothing, Food, Activities

• Healthcare & Insurance Costs

Phase 3 – Elementary to Teen Years (Ages 6–18)

Help AmyLou grow into the strong and loved young woman Tanner dreamed of

• School Supplies, Clothes, Food

• Extracurriculars (music, sports, church, summer camps)

• Health/Dental Insurance & Emergencies

• Technology & Educational Needs (laptop, tutoring, etc.)

• Transportation (used car, lessons, gas)

Phase 4 – College, Wedding, Adulthood etc. (Age 18–22)

Help fund the opportunities Tanner wished he could provide

• College Tuition, Books, Living Expenses

• Wedding Contribution

• Moving or Travel Expenses for School

You can get to know Tanner and Shay through their past posts on TikTok (@TannerandShay) and Instagram (@TannerandShay), or The Washington Post story about them at https://shorturl.at/K6IGw