Shay Martin, a popular influencer, is contemplating the idea of expanding her family through the use of her late husband Tanner’s embryos. Tanner tragically passed away in June at the age of 30 after a long battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife Shay and their newborn daughter, AmyLou, who was born just a month before his death. In a recent interview on The Unplanned Podcast with content creators Matt and Abby Howard, Shay shared her emotional journey of fertility and loss following Tanner’s passing.
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During the podcast, Shay revealed that before Tanner underwent cancer treatment in 2020, doctors had advised him to store his sperm in case the treatments impacted his fertility. The couple had plans to proceed with an egg retrieval and embryo transfer in September 2023, but they postponed these plans when Tanner developed sepsis. However, after Tanner’s cancer treatments showed promise the following July, they decided to try for a child, which led to the birth of AmyLou in May 2025.
Despite the joy of welcoming their daughter, Tanner’s cancer eventually took a turn for the worse, and he passed away after spending just 41 days with AmyLou. Shay shared that the online response to their decision to have a child despite Tanner’s terminal illness was met with criticism, with some questioning the ethics of bringing a child into the world under such circumstances. However, Shay remained determined to honour Tanner’s memory and wishes.
Shay disclosed that she is currently maintaining Tanner’s remaining embryos, which were frozen in 2020, as a way to preserve their potential future together. She recounted conversations she had with Tanner about the embryos before his passing, where he expressed his support for whatever decision she made regarding their use. Shay expressed uncertainty about her plans for the embryos but stated that she continues to pay for their storage each month as a way of keeping a connection to Tanner.
Tanner had bravely shared his cancer diagnosis with the public in 2020 and later revealed that his condition was incurable, with a prognosis of two to five years to live. Following his peaceful passing in June, Shay reflected on their final moments together, revealing that Tanner spent his last day surrounded by family watching the Indiana Jones films. She also shared a touching video Tanner had made prior to his death, expressing his thoughts on the afterlife and leaving a lasting message for his loved ones.
In the wake of Tanner’s passing, Shay expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from online donors through a GoFundMe page set up to assist her and AmyLou. She acknowledged the outpouring of financial assistance but emphasized that the emotional support and sense of community she experienced were equally valuable during such a challenging time. Shay found solace in the kindness of strangers and the knowledge that Tanner’s legacy would endure through the generosity of those who were touched by their story.
Shay Martin’s openness about her journey of love, loss, and hope serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Her willingness to share her story with others not only honours Tanner’s memory but also provides comfort and inspiration to those who may be navigating their grief and uncertainties. Shay’s contemplation of the future with Tanner’s embryos symbolizes a profound commitment to love and family, exemplifying the enduring strength of their bond beyond the limits of life and death.