ALTON - Tiffany Tanner has provided an update on her mother, Brenda Tanner, a well-known Alton area resident, who is in a battle with Stage IV sarcoma. Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the body's connective and supportive tissues, such as bones, tendons and blood vessels.
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Tiffany has asked for community support through prayer for her mother and a GoFundMe campaign after doctors diagnosed the sarcoma following kidney removal surgery, she said.
Tiffany Tanner said they initially hoped the surgery would lead to Brenda Tanner’s recovery. Instead, the cancer returned aggressively and spread to her lungs, liver and abdominal lining, she said. Brenda Tanner has begun intensive chemotherapy that requires extended hospital stays every few weeks for as long as she can tolerate treatment.
“Just a couple months ago, we created this fundraiser to help my mom recover from what we hoped would be a successful kidney removal surgery,” Tiffany said. “We were optimistic that removing the tumor would give her the chance to heal and move forward with life.”
The update said Brenda Tanner’s medical team is now focused on managing the disease and giving her “as much quality time as possible.” Tiffany said her mother will no longer be able to work, and that the loss of income has added uncertainty during her illness.
The fundraiser says donations would help cover medical expenses and treatments, travel to appointments and hospital stays, prescription medications, daily living expenses while she is unable to work, and other unexpected costs tied to ongoing cancer treatment.
“Anyone who knows my mom knows she has spent her life taking care of others,” Tiffany said. “Asking for any type of help has never come easily to her, but right now we are leaning on the kindness of family, friends, and even strangers.”
According to the fundraiser, Brenda Tanner underwent a routine CT scan in March 2026 to monitor a kidney cyst she had for years. The family said they learned the cyst had doubled in size from 13 centimeters to 25 centimeters. Doctors scheduled kidney removal surgery for April 23, 2026, and warned that it would be “a very challenging procedure with serious risks."
Tiffany Tanner said because Brenda Tanner was new at her job, she did not qualify for short-term disability and would not receive income during a projected seven- to nine-week recovery. It said she would also need help with daily tasks while healing.
Tiffany added that their lives “have changed in ways we never imagined” and asked for donations, shares and prayers.
“If you can donate, no amount is too small,” she said. “If you aren't in a position to give financially, sharing this fundraiser and keeping my mom in your thoughts and prayers means more than you will ever know.”
Click here for the GoFundMe for Brenda.
