The community in Indianapolis, Indiana is mourning the loss of well-respected television journalist Tanya Spencer, who, at the age of 53, passed away on May 24, 2024, after a prolonged battle with colon cancer. Spencer, professionally known as Tanya Sumner following her marriage, dedicated over two decades to journalism, with ten years spent at WRTV.

After graduating from Western Kentucky University in 1996, Spencer launched her career in journalism. She first distinguished herself at 14 WFIE in Evansville, Indiana, where she worked until 2005. She then moved to Indianapolis and joined WRTV, where she became a highly regarded reporter and anchor.

In November 2022, Spencer faced a life-altering diagnosis of colon cancer after undergoing emergency surgery. The cancer, driven by a rare and aggressive genetic mutation known as KRAS G12C, had already spread throughout her abdomen. Despite chemotherapy and various treatments aimed at fighting the cancer, the disease continued to progress. By September 2023, the treatments were deemed ineffective.

Throughout her battle with cancer, Spencer served as a strong advocate for health awareness, specifically urging others to undergo regular colonoscopies. In a candid WRTV interview, she emphasized the critical nature of early detection, saying, “It’s true that a colonoscopy is uncomfortable and unpleasant, and no one looks forward to it. But it’s important to get it done at age 45. If I had discovered my tumor, which was the size of a grapefruit, six years earlier, things would be very different now.”

Her advocacy was grounded in her personal experience, as she openly shared the challenges of her delayed diagnosis. In a poignant Facebook post, she reminded her followers of the importance of time and good health, writing, “Time and good health are our only real commodities, the only currencies that truly matter.”

Spencer was known for her dedication and commitment to her professional life. WRTV anchor Rafael Sánchez praised her in a moving tribute, saying, “She was dedicated and hardworking, yet valued her privacy. Please keep her husband, son, father, family, and friends in your thoughts.”

After departing from WRTV in 2015, Spencer continued to serve her community. She assumed the role of Director of Public Relations and later became a councilwoman for Whitestown, about 30 minutes from Indianapolis. She also held the position of Vice President for Whitestown’s District 3. Whitestown Town Manager Katie Barr remembered Spencer as a devoted leader, saying, “Her passion for this community was contagious, and she will be deeply missed.”

Both the towns of Whitestown and nearby Zionsville expressed their grief and respect for Spencer. A statement from Zionsville described her as a “true public servant” and acknowledged the positive impact she made on the community. “Tanya was a dedicated public servant, a loving wife, and a mother. She will be missed by everyone. Her contributions have made both Whitestown and Zionsville better places. We extend our deepest condolences on behalf of all of us.”

Spencer’s fight against cancer was not just personal, but also financial. She required two costly medications not covered by insurance, which amounted to $35,000 each month. Her friends and community rallied to support her, raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign to help ease the financial strain. Julia Kathary and Jody Chiarotti, close friends of Spencer, played crucial roles in her battle, advocating for her and ensuring she received the necessary treatments.

In a news interview, Spencer reflected on the support she received, saying, “They’ve been my advocates. They’ve lifted me.” This support network was instrumental in her journey, underscoring the significant role of community and friendship in times of crisis.

Spencer’s husband and their teenage son survive her. Her legacy as a journalist, public servant, and health advocate continues to inspire those who knew her. As the Indianapolis community mourns her loss, her words of wisdom and courage in the face of adversity bear testament to her strength and character.