Las Vegas, Nevada
MICHELLE RINDELS, The Associated Press
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Las Vegas woman who suffered a rare disorder that made it impossible for her to stop growing has died. Tanya Angus was 34.
Karen Strutynski says her daughter stood 7 feet 2 inches and weighed about 400 pounds when she died Monday, apparently from a tear in her heart.
Angus was 5 feet 8 as a teenager and had modeled on runways before she was diagnosed with acromegaly, or gigantism, at age 22.
She grew so much over the next decade that her rings had to be modified, she had to use custom utensils, and she got around in a motorized wheelchair.
Strutynski says her daughter was sometimes depressed about the condition but also saw it as a gift from God and an opportunity to help others with the disorder.
My thoughts and prayers go to her family and friends. May Tanya rest in peace. I am so sorry you had to endure so much. Life surely isn't fair. Your story has touched many lives.
Teresa Parks
July 27, 2025 | MI | Acquaintance
Tanya I'm so sorry you were not diagnosed when younger. You were beautiful. I'm sad you died so young.
Joy ketelhut
June 25, 2025
I just saw a documentary on Tanya. Tears of joy streamed down my face when the doctor announced that Tanya had stopped growing. Tears flowed again when they announced her passing. My condolences to a family so strong, loving and devoted. Tanya was blessed to have you all, and the world was blessed to have Tanya. Your efforts and her life were not in vain, as 10 years after her passing Tanya is still touching lives. May God bless you all.
T R Harris
August 19, 2024 | McDonough, GA
Tanya, Thank you for your story. We all think we know what our lives will be--or have an idea of them--until something unexpected happens, as it did to you. I am sorry that this illness occurs and hope that a cure will be found (in fact, I think one has). But nevertheless, this Earth is a better place for you having walked on it. I am sorry but I am grateful as well; and never knew you but wish I had. Sincerely, Deborah Edgerton, an admirer
Deborah Edgerton
June 06, 2024 | Las Cruces, NM
Unfortunately I seen the tlc episode with tanya after she had passed, I live in bc canada and was compelled to reach out to her family .watching Tanya's story effected me in such a deep and spiritual way, I cried for her pain and cried for her passing .She must be one of God's special angels ,as she reach so many corners of the world in such an incredible way I pray for healing and peace for her family .I will never forget her, she was a very special lady .a messenger of hope
Coreen lang
May 29, 2024 | Other
I just watched the documentary on Tanya on TLC called help I’m turning into a Giant. I live in Sun City Anthem in Henderson Nevada and wanted to meet her. Looked up her name and was devastated that she had passed way in January of 2014. I wish I could have met her, she seemed like a very sociable and beautiful person. She had a glow to her. She is definitely in a better place. To her family God Bless you all.
Sincerely
...
Gary Talis
May 29, 2024 | Henderson | Neighbor
I just saw the Tanya's story on Medical Mysteries. I wish I had known her personally. She was so strong and determined. Thank you for sharing your story, Tanya. Rest in Peace.
February 10, 2024
I live in Australia . I’ve never seen your story until today, I wish I could have known you. You were an amazing woman. You’ll be with me forever after seeing your story.
RIP TANYA
Chrissy Read
July 28, 2023 | Loganlea QLD Australia
I'm not really sure how to word this, or why I feel so compelled to write, but nothing has touched my heart or envoked such deep emotion in me as much as a short little documentary I saw about Tanya recently. I was really enamored with her bright presence and the kindness and love and humor she emitted. The whole time I was watching it, I kept wishing to myself that I could be her friend, or somehow take away her pain. I broke into tears when I found this. I really think she is a truly...
Envie Sericin
June 05, 2020 | Pearl City, HI | Acquaintance