Former FOX5 Anchor Faith Tanner Fights Rare Cancer with Courage—and a Community Behind Her

Sponsored by United Nissan, America First Credit Union, Albertsons, and Vons, the FOX5 Surprise Squad steps in to support one of their own in her battle for life.

Faith Tanner, a former FOX5 Las Vegas anchor and reporter, once graced television screens with poise and professionalism. A few years ago, she stepped away from the spotlight to focus on raising her two young sons, embracing motherhood with the same passion she once brought to journalism.

But life took an unexpected turn.

Faith is now in the fight of her life after being diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer. This shocking news hit close to home not only for her family and friends, but also for the FOX5 team, where Faith spent years as a beloved journalist and colleague.

What began as health complications quickly spiraled into months of hospital stays, critical procedures, and staggering medical bills. At one point, Faith’s condition was so severe she was placed in the ICU and put on a ventilator. Despite the bleak circumstances, she showed the same determination that once carried her through breaking news and late-night deadlines.

“She’s had many setbacks, but she’s just been such a strong fighter,” one close friend shared. “Her resilience is incredible.”

Faced with mounting expenses, her Bible study group reached out to the FOX5 Surprise Squad, a local initiative that partners with organizations like United Nissan, America First Credit Union, Albertsons, and Vons to support people in need. And when the Squad heard about Faith’s story, they mobilized immediately.

Surrounded by friends, balloons, and cameras, the Surprise Squad contacted Faith on her birthday—just after she had been discharged from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, where she spent 70 days undergoing treatment. It was an emotional moment, filled with smiles, tears, and a surprise that left Faith speechless.

The first gift came from America First Credit Union: $5,000 to help ease the financial strain. “You’re not alone in this fight,” said Ricardo from the credit union. “We hope this helps.”

Albertsons then joined in, contributing $3,000 through the Happily Ever After League, a Phoenix-based nonprofit that supports mothers with cancer. In addition, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provided $1,000 in Albertsons gift cards and $4,000 in Visa gift cards for clothing, toys, and daily essentials.

The most heartfelt moment came when Juanita from United Nissan delivered a message from dealership owner Don Forman: Faith and her family wouldn’t have to worry about rent while staying in Arizona for treatment. With medical bills already overwhelming, and their temporary housing costing up to $6,000 per month, this news brought visible relief to Faith and her husband, Kurt.

Even more touching is Kurt’s quiet show of support: when Faith lost her hair during chemotherapy, he shaved his head in solidarity. It’s gestures like these that underscore the depth of love and strength binding this family together.

Through the tears and gratitude, Faith reflected on the challenges of her journey. “Sometimes I get really angry with God and feel defeated,” she admitted. “But I have faith that it’s going to somehow work out.”

And in a remarkable turn of events—it has.

In an emotional update shared by FOX5’s Vince Sapienza, it was revealed that Faith is officially in remission. The news came during a doctor’s appointment earlier this week, sending waves of relief and celebration across her community. While she and Kurt will remain in Phoenix for a few more months for physical therapy and transfusions, the light at the end of the tunnel is finally within reach.

Faith’s story has become one of hope, resilience, and the power of community. Former co-workers, faith groups, friends, and even strangers have come together to lift her during the darkest chapter of her life.

“She’s an inspiration to me and to the boys,” said one family friend. “I know when they grow up, they’ll be so proud of what their mom went through—and how she fought to come home to them.”