Tanner’s Legacy
Tanner Gillen was 13 years old when he was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma. He remained charming, funny, and caring throughout his journey. Tanner loved art. His favorite piece The Great Wave off Kanagawa. He was a bit of a renaissance man. He loved Frank Sinatra and Gloomy Sunday by Bille Holiday. Tanner was quick witted and never at a loss for words. Tanners’ greatest accomplishment is being the best son, friend, brother, dog owner, fisherman, golfer, and lover of history. He remains quite simply, my greatest gift. He rested after a hard-fought battle on January 23, 2019, he was 14 years old.
Our Donation Story
Tanner loved to read. One of his favorite stories was ” The Immortal Story of Henrietta Lacks.” This woman’s donation, albiet unknown to her, made a difference in science as we know it today. As Tanner neared the end of his life he asked to donate his brain and spine. He wanted to be a part of changing the outcomes for other kids with brain cancer. It was his final gift an attempt to leave the world a better place to find a cure so that no child would need to suffer so greatly.
