Kory Lee Ferris was born on February 18, 1983 to Kelly and Karin Ferris.  His brother Kasey arrived a year later. 

Kory attended grade school at Wilkes Elementary and continued his education at Reynolds Middle School and Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon. 

Kory was a left handed athlete and enjoyed all sports. From a young age he participated in soccer, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, swimming and football.

Kory was very close to his entire family. He was very well-liked, and had many friends. 

At the age of 13, Kory began experiencing pain in his groin. For the next nine months his family and doctors tried to find out what was causing his discomfort.  In 1996 Kory was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, which is a rare bone cancer. During his illness he suffered unbelievable pain with great courage and always with a smile on his face.

When Kory passed away in October, 1998 he was 15 years old. 

During Kory's illness, the Ferris family received support from family, friends and members of the local community. These people freely gave time and money to help Kory's family get through each day.