Teen takes up bowling after mom beats cancer

Tanner Blayney’s family has been through a lot over the last five years beginning with his father losing his job and two months later his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

During his mother’s treatment, Tanner, who is now 14 but was only 8 at the time, stayed with his mother in the hospital and helped out however he could. After several bouts of treatment, his mother is now a five-year cancer survivor and has been able to raise money for breast cancer research.

Last December, Tanner’s mother Sheri lost her job, leaving the family without health insurance. During this time, Tanner and his brother Branden made some sacrifices and helped their family get by for three months until Sheri was able to find work.

Tanner, who has always enjoyed art and has won awards and had his work showcased in his hometown, was never very interested in sports. However, after his mother found steady employment, he decided he wanted to take up bowling. He turned out to be a natural and progressed quickly, taking first place in his first competition and winning college scholarship money.

“Tanner’s dream now is to become a better bowler with hopes of winning more scholarship money towards college,” said Kevin, Tanner’s father.

Tanner will be bowling in the Show-Me STATE GAMES on July 23-24.

Tanner with 3 of the 4 medals he earned in the state competition

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