Post Reports: The Young Adults Living with Cancer Episode Release Date: June 12, 2025
Hosts: Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi
Reporter: Drea Cornejo, Video Journalist, The Washington Post
Introduction
In this poignant episode of Post Reports, The Washington Post delves into the lives of young adults grappling with cancer, highlighting the unique challenges they face. Hosted by Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi, the episode features intimate stories from individuals within the "Generation C"—a term now used by doctors to describe the surge of cancer cases among younger populations.
Personal Stories: Tanner and Shay Martin
Meeting and Marriage
Tanner Martin, a 30-year-old living with stage four colorectal cancer, and his wife Shay share their journey of love and resilience. Diagnosed in November 2020, Tanner reflects on his life before cancer:
"Life was awesome. I was on my way to graduate and to apply to a grad program. I was working a lot and I was doing pretty good in it."
(00:39)
Shay, a mental health therapist, discusses their relationship:
"I think what first drew me to Tanner was his smile. It's very big."
(12:29)
They met as teenagers through church activities and reconnected as adults, eventually marrying and envisioning a future together filled with career aspirations and family life.
Facing Cancer Together
Tanner and Shay decided to bank Tanner's sperm and pursue IVF to have a child despite his terminal diagnosis. This decision was fraught with emotional and ethical complexities:
"At first, I really struggled with the idea of having kids because I wasn't sure how I got cancer. Like, what if it's a gene and I'm passing it on?"
(15:02)
Their commitment culminated in the birth of their daughter, Amylou Madrea, affectionately nicknamed Jouza. The joy of their daughter's arrival contrasted sharply with Tanner's deteriorating health:
"Oh, sweetheart, I'm so excited to meet you."
(32:33)
Despite the challenges, the couple maintains a spirit of humor and determination. Shay describes Tanner’s unwavering positivity:
"I just want to be there for her."
(03:07)
Reporter’s Personal Journey: Drea Cornejo
Drea Cornejo, the episode’s reporter, shares her own battle with stage four metastatic lung cancer, diagnosed at 26. Her story provides a dual perspective, intertwining her journalistic narrative with her personal experiences:
"For a lot of young people, it's a struggle to get to that diagnosis, especially if they don't fit the exact mold of what sick may look like."
(06:44)
Drea emphasizes the isolation felt by young cancer patients and her mission to amplify their voices:
"I just want to make the experience a little less isolating."
(06:17)
Her bond with Tanner and Shay offers mutual support and insights into managing life-threatening illness while striving for normalcy.
Generation C: Redefining Cancer Demographics
The episode sheds light on the shifting landscape of cancer demographics, with cases rising among Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X:
"For a long time, people have thought of cancer as a disease that comes in old age, but that's changing."
(05:24)
With over 2.1 million Americans living with a cancer diagnosis acquired at a young age, the narrative around cancer is evolving. The stories of Tanner, Shay, and Drea illustrate the profound impact of cancer on personal relationships, career trajectories, and mental health.
Navigating Emotional and Practical Challenges
Decision-Making and Quality of Life
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the difficult decisions young adults must make regarding treatment and family planning. Shay urges Tanner to consider his quality of life over merely extending it:
"I am asking you to consider your quality of life more than you do."
(24:41)
Tanner grapples with the fear of leaving his child without a father, yet remains determined to cherish the time they have:
"I'm just gonna do anything I can to make memories, and I can still do everything else that other alive people can do."
(25:15)
Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms
The Martins rely heavily on their supportive families and each other to navigate the tumultuous journey of cancer treatment and impending parenthood. Drea reflects on the importance of community and open dialogue in coping with the disease:
"I just feel like this is a way for me to connect with another human being who's going through this very similar thing that I'm experiencing."
(30:26)
Moments of Vulnerability and Strength
The episode features raw and heartfelt moments, such as Tanner’s first encounter with his newborn daughter amidst his declining health:
"Eyes up. You don't have to. You can go to sleep, sweetheart. I love you so much."
(33:15)
Additionally, Drea shares a profound personal reflection after Tanner’s condition worsens and her own cancer progresses:
"It still feels like a gut punch. I don't think either of us have fully wrapped our heads around it yet."
(28:08)
Reflection and Growth
Drea concludes the episode by reflecting on her growth through the connections forged with Tanner and Shay. She acknowledges the ongoing battle with cancer and the necessity of living with intention:
"Sometimes you just have to find ways to live within it and just stay in the present as best as you can and live with intention as best as you can."
(36:49)
Conclusion
Post Reports offers a deeply moving exploration of young adults living with cancer, highlighting their resilience, the complexity of their decisions, and the importance of support systems. Through the intertwined narratives of Tanner, Shay, and Drea, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the emotional and practical challenges faced by Generation C. The episode underscores the necessity of visibility and open conversations to diminish the stigma surrounding young cancer diagnoses.
Notable Quotes:
- Tanner Martin (00:16): "I have stage four colorectal cancer."
- Shay Martin (15:46): "Deciding to have a kid during Tanner's cancer treatment was a really challenging decision."
- Drea Cornejo (28:08): "With metastatic disease, it's only a matter of time before your cancer outsmarts your treatment."
Further Resources:
- Video Documentary: Available on The Washington Post’s website (link in show notes).
- Special Comic: Detailing Drea’s diagnosis journey (link in show notes).
Produced by Alana Gordon, mixed by Ted Muldoon, and edited by Renita Jablonski with additional editing by Lynn Bui, Mary Ellen Dyle, and Dan Keating.