The community of Indianapolis, Indiana is grieving the loss of Tanya Spencer, a seasoned television journalist who died on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 53 years old, after a long struggle with colon cancer.
Known in her professional life as Tanya Sumner following her marriage, she dedicated more than 20 years to journalism, with ten of those years spent at WRTV.
Spencer’s career in journalism started post-graduation from Western Kentucky University in 1996. She first left her imprint at 14 WFIE in Evansville, Indiana, where she was employed until 2005. She then relocated to Indianapolis and joined the team at WRTV, cementing her reputation as a respected reporter and anchor.
In November 2022, Spencer’s life took an unexpected turn when she required emergency surgery and received a diagnosis of colon cancer. The cancer had already metastasized throughout her abdomen, fueled by an aggressive and rare genetic mutation known as KRAS G12C. Despite several rounds of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, the disease continued to progress. By September 2023, the treatments were deemed ineffective.
Despite her personal battle, Spencer remained a vocal advocate for health awareness, particularly the importance of regular colonoscopies. In a frank interview with WRTV, she stressed the value of early detection, stating, “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 born out of personal experience, as she openly discussed the challenges of her delayed diagnosis. In a poignant Facebook post, she reminded her followers about what truly matters in life, writing, “Time and good health are our only real commodities, the only currencies that truly matter.”
Spencer’s professional contributions were marked by her dedication and commitment. Emmy award-winning WRTV anchor Rafael Sánchez lauded her in a heartfelt tribute, declaring, “She was dedicated and hardworking, yet valued her privacy. Please keep her husband, son, father, family, and friends in your thoughts.”
After her tenure at WRTV ended in 2015, Spencer continued to serve her community, first as the Director of Public Relations, and later as a councilwoman for Whitestown, which is about 30 minutes from Indianapolis. She also served as Vice President for Whitestown’s District 3. Whitestown Town Manager Katie Barr remembered her as a committed leader, stating, “Her passion for this community was contagious, and she will be deeply missed.”
The communities of Whitestown and the nearby Zionsville both expressed their sorrow and respect for Spencer. A statement from Zionsville described her as a “true public servant” and highlighted the positive influence of her efforts 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 with cancer was not only personal but also financial, as she had to take two pricey medications not covered by insurance, costing a combined $35,000 each month. Her friends and community rallied around her, raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign to help ease the financial pressure. Close friends Julia Kathary and Jody Chiarotti played key roles in her fight, advocating for her and ensuring she received the necessary treatments.
Reflecting on the support of her friends in a news interview, Spencer said, “They’ve been my advocates. They’ve lifted me.” The help from her friends played a significant role in her journey, showcasing the importance of community and friendship in times of crisis.
Spencer’s passing leaves her husband, their teenage son, and her father. Her legacy as a journalist, public servant, and health advocate continues to inspire those who knew her. As the community of Indianapolis mourns her loss, her words of wisdom and resilience in the face of adversity serve as a testament to her strength and character.
