Christmas in July: Community gathers to honor American Fork man who died of cancer
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- A sign reads “May The Cheer Be With You” Thursday, July 24, 2025 outside of the Northampton House in American Fork where the Christmas in July celebration took place in honor of Tanner Martin, who died of cancer on June 25, 2025
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- Tanner and Shay Martin are pictured in an undated photo with their newborn baby AmyLou.
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- Don Fitch, dressed as Santa Claus (left) and Shay Martin (right) pose for a photo, Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Northampton House in American Fork during the Christmas in July celebration in honor of her husband, Tanner Martin, who died of cancer on June 25, 2025.
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- A table filled with donated gifts are pictured Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Northampton House in American Fork during the Christmas in July celebration in honor of Tanner Martin, who died of cancer on June 25, 2025.
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- Shay Martin (right) is pictured holding her daughter, Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Northampton House in American Fork during the Christmas in July celebration in honor of her husband, Tanner Martin, who died of cancer on June 25, 2025.
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- A sign reads “Merry Force-Mas in July” Thursday, July 24, 2025 inside the Northampton House in American Fork where the Christmas in July celebration took place in honor of Tanner Martin, who died of cancer on June 25, 2025
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- Children observe a table filled with donated gifts Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Northampton House in American Fork during the Christmas in July celebration in honor of Tanner Martin, who died of cancer on June 25, 2025.
Despite the sizzling summer temperatures, the spirit of Christmas was recently felt at the Northampton House in American Fork, in honor of a man who recently succumbed to cancer.
Tanner Martin had a wish to spend the holidays with his newborn daughter, even though he knew he didn’t have much time left on this earth.
Martin, of American Fork, died on June 25 at the age of 30 due to a long battle with colon cancer. His death came a little more than a month after he and his wife Shay celebrated the birth of their daughter AmyLou, on May 15.
Martin’s passing sparked an outpouring of support from people in the community and hundreds of others who follow the couple’s social media platform.
In a video posted to their Instagram page on the day of his passing, Tanner is seen in a pre-recorded message announcing his own death.
The post garnered over 350,000 likes, with a barrage of comments from people offering their condolences to the Martin family.
Tanner’s story inspired staff members at the Northampton House, a wedding and events venue, to reach out to Shay Martin and help make her late husband’s dream become a reality.
And on Thursday, dozens gathered at the venue for a makeshift yuletide celebration, filled with a slew of gifts, a Christmas tree, entertainment and, of course, Santa Claus.
“Tanner kind of had a wish to see a Christmas before he passed, and so she (Shay) was going to coordinate a Christmas in July, but unfortunately he passed at the end of June, so he never got to see this dream,” said Miriam Ziedner, a social media coordinator and marketing representative at the Northampton House.
Ziedner said while she didn’t personally know the Martin family, she was familiar with Tanner’s condition because the couple was open about his illness on their social media platform.
Tanner and Shay weren’t shy about sharing their lives on social media, as their Instagram account has more than 560,000 followers.
“It’s been very unique to witness, (and) to just be one recipient of all their generosity and how many lives they’ve touched,” she said, during Thursday’s event.
According to his obituary, Martin’s family described him as an individual who brought joy and light to all who knew him.
“Tanner’s vibrant spirit and genuine kindness endeared him to everyone he encountered,” the obituary reads.
Jenna Sawyer said she met Martin 11 years ago in Arizona where they both served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Sawyer recalls the shock she felt just a few years ago, after hearing the news that his cancer had progressed.
“It was so shocking that someone so young and so full of life could be given something that was, in our minds, meant for people much older,” she said.
Sawyer said despite the unfairness of a man his age being dealt such a life-altering illness, she’ll remember Tanner for his genuine kindness and being a bright light in a world that can often feel dark.
“Everything that you see, when you see him on social media, when you see the way they (Tanner and Shay) act together and the bright person that he was, is just 100% true,” she said.
Sawyer believes that even in his absence, Tanner Martin’s impact on the community and those around him will live on.
“Amy Lou and Shay are huge parts of that,” she told the Daily Herald. “We get parts of Tanner in this little baby, and that is just such a gift.”
Sawyer, who owns and operates Jenna Grace photography, was one of the many vendors and businesses who graciously donated their time and services to honor Martin.
The temperature outside on Thursday was near 100 degrees, but that didn’t stop Don Fitch, who said he’s known as American Fork’s Santa Claus, from making an appearance.
Fitch said he loves being a part of charitable community events, and Thursday’s event felt like the perfect worthy cause.
“It’s just nice to be able to come and spread good cheer among people,” he said. “And you know, just seeing the light glowing in people’s eyes, that makes it well worth it.”
Fitch said even in the sweltering heat, he loves playing Santa Claus all year round.
Ziedner, who handled much of the coordination for the celebratory occasion said she was moved by people like Fitch, and the many vendors who participated to help pull the event off.
Dozens of gifts were donated by citizens and local businesses, all which were expected to be delivered on behalf of the Martin family to patients at Primary Children’s Hospital.
Ziedner said she feels honored to be part of Tanner Martin’s legacy and to witness humanity coming together in a positive way.
“I’m so blown away by how many people came together to donate,” she said.
