Remembering Our
Donor Heroes

Cory Hunter Mathis passed away suddenly at 29 years of age on Thursday, February 20, 2025, after a long battle with Addison’s Disease. He was born a healthy, beautiful baby boy in West Palm Beach, Florida, to Don and Pam Mathis, adding a brother and best friend to a 9-year-old Kevin Mathis.

Cory’s witty, sharp mind was as bright as his smile. Whether it was reciting sports statistics, reading a book or talking about climate change and weather patterns, he was always learning and expanding his knowledge of all things. Cory was a tech wizard with a brilliant, curious, nature-loving mind who was playful yet competitive, especially when playing trivia and board games with his brother.

When Cory was diagnosed at just 16 years old, he researched everything he could about Addison’s Disease. He didn’t let the disease get the best of him but instead tried to understand everything he could. Cory knew his life had been changed forever but even so; he persevered. In the first of many obstacles, Cory was told he couldn’t finish the international baccalaureate program at William T. Dwyer High School. Not only did he finish the program, but he flourished in the face of adversity and shook hands with the people who doubted him as he crossed the graduation stage.

Cory also had an unwavering mission to help make this planet a better place. He was a proud alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh and East Tennessee State University with big dreams for the future. He had planned to one day return to Pittsburgh, work for the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and eventually travel his way through the cultures of this earthly realm. He wanted to become a better human being and truly understand what the world needed most.

More than anything, Cory loved his family and his rescue pup, Stella. Stella was named after the lake in Great Basin National Park and was always by his side. Whether Cory was playing video games with his brother, watching soccer with his dad or making his mother watch quirky sci-fi shows, Stella was always there with Cory. He looked for a companion for a long time and when he found Stella, he was certain he found his baby.

Cory loved visiting the national parks and aspired to one day see them all. His last trip was in November 2024 when he traveled out west with his parents. Cory knew he wanted to see as many National Parks as he could on that trip, especially the ones his brother had not been to yet. Cory got to see the beautiful high desert rocks of Canyonlands National Park, the picture-perfect skies over Deadhorse State Park and the geological formations at Arches National Park in Utah. They also made their way to Colorado where Cory got to see the steep cliffs of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the alpine lakes and rugged mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park. He got to visit the ballpark where the Colorado Rockies play and relax in the famous hot springs at Glenwood Springs. Eating great food and enjoying some of nature’s wonders with his parents were a few of the things he loved to do.