Tributes
Our hearts are with those who have lost loved ones and community members to adrenal insufficiency. Our work at NADF is dedicated to reducing the amount of suffering and death from adrenal diseases. Your donation in honor of a loved one helps us continue to strive for those goals. Thank you for choosing to honor your loved one in this way.
To set up a donation on honor of someone you have lost, please contact us through our website to get started.
The National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, ID #11-2777036
All donations are fully tax deductible
In Memory of Carson James Zabel
When Carson was only 14 years old, he developed a stomach bug and was diagnosed with adenovirus. Over the next 10 weeks, his condition worsened, and he lost 30 pounds, was not able to lift his head, his skin darkened, he craved salt and required frequent emergency room visits where he would need IV fluids even though he wasn't vomiting or having diarrhea. After seeing 10 different doctors - most of which were specialists, he was finally diagnosed with Addison's Disease. He managed his illness beautifully until June 1, 2025 when a stomach virus sent him into an Addisonian crisis and he passed away at only 27 years of age.
He graduated with high honors from Midland Christian High School in 2016, where he and his close friends competed successfully in academic competitions across the state of Texas. Carson continued his academic journey at Abilene Christian University, graduating with high honors in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. In 2022, he earned a Master of Science in Biotechnology in the field of Biomedical Sciences, publishing three research articles during his graduate studies. For the past two and a half years, he worked as a medical researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio, where he focused on Alzheimer’s research. He was a contributing author in the Journal of Neuroscience, with more publications forthcoming.
Carson’s brilliance was matched only by his humility. He lived modestly, proudly driving a 15-year-old car and never owning a social media account. He cared nothing for material wealth or trends. Instead, he poured himself into meaningful pursuits — his research, his family, his friendships, and his faith. A devout and Godly young man, Carson never passed judgment, never uttered a harsh word, and never hesitated to help someone in need. He followed the rules with quiet grace, yet found joy in life’s adventures — Saturday night gaming with besties, clowning around with Maddie and Brennan, riding roller coasters, spontaneous travels, new cultures, and deep conversations.
As his mom, I would love nothing more than to find a cure or even a decent treatment for this horrible condition. My heart is broken.
In Memory of Milan Daaë Jones
Milan Daaë Jones was 20 years old when she passed on February 23, 2025. She was the light in a dark room, she never met a stranger, and everyone that she came in contact with walked away as a better person after meeting her. That’s not coming from Mom. That’s coming from all the people that I got to meet at her viewing and people that would talk to me about her after meeting her. She was a phenomenal make up artist and started her make up journey as a part of therapy as she was dealing with the repercussions of having the pituitary tumor removed as she went through secondary adrenal insufficiency.
She had a tumor removed at 18 years old and for the past two years was having to navigate what life would be for her and her new “normalcy“. Unfortunately, a few Sundays ago her body decided it was tired of fighting, and even though we are grieving, we know she is no longer in pain and she no longer has to suffer. She constantly reminds us that she is still here every single day with us and she is watching over us.
We didn’t know a lot about secondary adrenal insufficiency because we just got thrown into it the past two years, but I’m going to make sure that I continue to learn from this site and educate as many people as I possibly can ,while still learning myself in hopes that my Milan’s departure will save someone else’s life.
In Memory of Cory Hunter Mathis
Cory Hunter Mathis passed away suddenly at twenty-nine years of age on Thursday, February 20, 2025, after a long battle with Addison’s Disease.
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. 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 sixteen 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. More than anything, Cory loved his family and his rescue pup Stella. 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. Unfortunately, a cure has yet to be found and advancements regarding Addison’s Disease are few and far between. Cory leaves behind a loving family and will live on in their memories forever.
In Memory of Samuel Dixon Workman
May 1, 1991 - February 3, 2025
Sam Workman, 33, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, alone in his home, due to complications from Addison's disease about February 3, 2025. Sam was diagnosed with Addison's disease on his birthday in 2020, during the pandemic. He seemed to be managing well, taking his medications, exercising, eating well, and leading an active normal life. Then an illness precipitated an adrenal crisis. Tragically, he was the third member of his extended family to have Addison's disease and pass away before the age of 40.
Born on May 1, 1991, in Manchester, N.H., Sam was the son of Steve and Marjean Workman. He was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and Computer Technology. Sam was a kind and loving young man who had much to look forward to. The profound loss and emptiness felt by his loved ones is immeasurable, and it is difficult to comprehend that our little boy, now a young man, will no longer be seen walking through the door. His life ended far too soon.
In addition to his parents, Sam is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Jacob and Kara. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frederick “Bud” and Frances Holmes of Wilton, N.H. and Kenneth and Delores Workman of Greenville, Mich.
In Memory of Thomas Carlton Grimm
July 19, 2004 - June 16, 2023
Thomas "Tommy" Carlton Grimm, one of triplets, was born in Wheatridge, CO to Robert Grimm and Tabitha Fugate. Tommy was a kind and gentle person who enjoyed playing and looking after his siblings, cousins, and friends. He also enjoyed the outdoors and especially hiking in the mountains of Colorado.
Tommy died tragically and suddenly at his home south of McCook due to cardiac arrest as a result of Addison’s disease. Coincidentally, his brother Robert Jr. “Robby” also has Addison’s disease.
Those left to mourn his loss are his father, Robert Grimm of North Platte, Neb.; mother, Tabitha Fugate of McCook; brothers, Robert Jr. of McCook and Jon of North Platte; sister, Christina “Tina” Cordova of McCook; maternal grandmother, Charlotte Beckert of McCook; paternal grandfather, David Grimm Sr. of Georgia; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In Memory of Lorraine Conner
Lorraine Conner (formerly Lorraine Hancock) passed away on July 13, 2023, at Diversicare of Eupora in Eupora, Mississippi. She was born and lived in Knoxville, Tennessee until she relocated to be closer to her Mississippi family in 2020. Everyone that knew Lorraine, from Tennessee to Mississippi, loved her caring spirit and witty attitude. Lorraine loved her family and friends, and, until she could no longer, showed her love for them by cooking and baking. You could often catch her watching all the cooking shows. If she wasn’t watching cooking shows, she loved good westerns. She loved nothing more than being with her close friends and family; 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Anyone that visited her did not leave without knowing how much she cared for and loved them. In her earlier life, she graduated from cosmetology school in Knoxville, Tennessee, and was a talented hair stylist and salon owner. She was an avid softball player and enjoyed coaching and supporting local youth softball teams, and she also loved to dance. She was very active until Addison’s Disease nearly took her life prior to being diagnosed and, though gradually, started slowing her down. After her diagnosis she maintained an active and healthy life, until she fell a few years ago which caused her mobility and health to decline rapidly.
With her Addison’s Disease and after her fall, Lorraine’s adult life was filled with many health concerns, but so many compassionate health professionals provided her with amazing care that created the best possible quality of life. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Norris Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center that cared so generously for our mother from October to December 2020, prior to her relocating to Mississippi. They also want to thank the care team at Diversicare of Eupora in Eupora, Mississippi, for helping Lorraine beat her life expectancy by 5 years, and giving her love, comfort, and friendship until her passing.
In Memory of Trevor Lee Correa
24 years old
Feb 6, 1999 – April 4, 2023
He died of adrenal failure due to Addison’s disease
Our Beautiful Boy is Gone….
Trevor had an easygoing peaceful way about him that immediately put others at ease. He was gracious, generous, kind, loving, encouraging and selfless. He had a very open minded and nonjudgmental spirit that was welcoming towards others. He cared deeply for other people especially the underdog, and would give them the shirt off his back if they needed it. Trevor had a tender and compassionate heart.
Just recently while vacationing in Florida, we bought Trevor new shoes, as we were throwing the old ones away. Trevor came bursting into the room and grabbed them. He was having a conversation with a homeless man and noticed that the man was barefoot. Trevor told him to wait outside while he ran to get his old shoes, and lo and behold they fit the man perfectly. God did an amazing thing when He created you, Trevor. “We thank Him for sharing you with us for 24 short years.”
Trevor loved fishing, playing with dogs, cats, and children. He knew a lot about cars and the mechanics of engines. His latest passion was motorcycles and he was starting quite a collection of them. He started riding with his biological family whom he had just connected with a year ago. He loved his country and wanted to serve in the military but he was denied because he was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease which is a rare incurable disease that causes adrenal failure. It can be carefully managed with medications. Addison’s disease caused Trevor severe chronic pain in muscles and joints among other symptoms.
In Memory of Nathan Joel Ellenbolt
Nathan Ellenbolt was born on February 1, 1991. He passed away from complications of Addison’s disease on October 30, 2021. Nathan was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease on February 25, 2011. Nathan had made several visits over the course of a few years to the Emergency Room, but those visits ended up with a flu diagnosis. The emergency room visit that finally gave us the answer to Nathan’s health issue resulted in a 4-day stay due to severe dehydration.
Nathan was prescribed Cortef and Florinef, for which he would need to take for the rest of his life. Nathan’s symptoms included dark skin pigmentation, low sodium, loss of appetite, and nausea. Nathan did always have dark skin; but he was an outside kid, with his favorite time being spent on the river, or his dirt-bike and 4-wheeler. Who knew that his dark skin was really a sign of a severe health issue?
Nathan took his diagnosis in his “laid-back” kind of way. Always telling us he was fine, don’t worry about me. He never seemed angry, and we never heard him ask “why me?”. During the first few years, there was definitely a struggle with the doctors getting his prescription dosage correct. This could certainly be attributed to the life that Nathan led. He was a hard-working kid; but would often leave one job for the next best thing; and it seems that every job change led Nate right back to the Emergency Room, because his body had to work so hard to handle the stress of any new job. The most frustrating thing for us, his parents, was that every Emergency Room visit ended up with a call to the endocrinologist (the specialist); and for quite some time, the endocrinologist just told Nate to double (and sometimes triple) his dose. This was so wrong!!!!
While Nathan was very laid back about his illness, we could see that Addison’s was slowly killing him the past few years. Nathan was not diligent about taking his medication and this ultimately led to him losing his battle against this terrible disease.
It took us a while to write this tribute for Nathan because we are just so heart-broken; but we are hopeful that if even one person who is suffering from Addison’s sees this or if the family of an Addison’s patient sees this; it helps them to realize that they are not alone and that if you see any small change in your health: loss of appetite, severe weight loss, abdominal pain; please don’t ignore those signs. Get to a medical facility and tell them to take your condition seriously. Don’t let them pass it off as the flu and/or dehydration. Make them pay attention to you. This is a lesson that we learned too late.
In honor of Nathan, please consider a donation to the National Adrenal Disease Foundation (NADF). Through your support of Nathan, further research can be done to improve diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Nathan’s name will live on forever because we will never let it die. We will forever miss our son, but we know that he is safe with God and that we will be together again someday.
In Memory of Lonnie Curry
Lonnie Curry from Carthage, TX passed away on August 6, 2021, at the age of 65, from COVID.
He was diagnosed with Addison’s in 1990. His best friend and twin brother, Ronnie, was diagnosed not too long afterwards. Prior to this, it took his doctors and medical staff a while to diagnose Addison’s and figure out what was wrong with Lonnie’s health. He fought a long and hard battle with Addison’s throughout his life. His quality of life over the last several years was affected by Addison’s disease, but he made the most of it and tried his best to continue doing all of the things that he loved.
Lonnie loved hunting, fishing, and watching the Carthage Bulldogs play football and baseball, as well as spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Brock Curry; twin brother Ronnie Curry; and sister Gladene Curry Washington. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mary Curry; his loving sons and daughter-in-laws, Justin and Kasey Curry, Bradley and Amber Curry; the light of his life-grandsons, Jackson Curry and Bodee Curry; and sister Kay Garrett.
Lonnie’s family would love for you to make a donation to honor his memory, as well as to help with continued research and bring awareness for Addison’s disease.
In Memory of Cathy Pospeshil-Patzke
Cathy Pospeshil-Patzke of Mesa, AZ passed away on July 6, 2021.
For anyone who didn't know Scott and Cathy as a couple, they had a marriage that all marriages should be. Cathy has had a rough road; she had surgery on her spine that became infected, and this started a list medical appointments and hospital stays. High levels of antibiotics while home, nurses visits and weekly labs became part of her routine.
She never forgot her friends and always down played her pain. During the last hospital stay she had developed a pulmonary embolism. She was on blood thinners and was able to go home after a week. She seemed to be getting better and Scott said they were hopeful. All she wanted was to go to the beach. During her last night, they laid in bed and talked, and the last thing she said to him was I love you, then fell asleep with her head on his shoulder – a normal happy night. When Scott woke up she was gone.
What Scott wanted everyone to know is she loved this group and cared deeply for her friends, deeply enough to request her adrenals be donated to research. Unfortunately, because of the infection, they couldn't use them. Scott had no idea she had arranged this. RIP our dear friend.
In Memory of Kathy Lee Eckert
Kathy Lee Eckert of Hamburg, NY passed away on June 13, 2021.
She had suffered from Addison's disease for many years, and her niece also has the disease. For this reason, Kathy was very interested in trying to raise awareness of Addison's Disease.
Kathy was an active member of the Living with Addison's Disease Facebook group and several other groups. She was very knowledgeable and touched many lives. She always said that she did not have just Facebook Friends. They were all her friends and she genuinely cared for each and every one.
One of the last things Kathy talked about was trying to find a way to help educate rescue/ambulance workers and physicians on the special needs of Addison's patients, especially the need for stress dose steroids. It is for this reason that the family has requested donations be made to the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF).
In Memory of Paul A. Knis
On May 12, 2021, at age 59, Paul died after battling Addison's disease for two years. He was a life resident of Ohio.
His brother Jim asked that donations be made to the National Adrenal Disease Foundation to raise awareness for Addison's Disease.
In memory of Andrew "Drew" Keown
Drew was 21 years old when he suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on September 22, 2020 from an Addisonian crisis. He was unknowingly battling Addison's Disease, showing no obvious symptoms of the disease. A doctor's visit in July gave one puzzle piece of information—low thyroid—on an otherwise "healthy" young man.
Drew was born on March 1, 1999 and grew up in Marshall, Illinois. He loved music and played the clarinet and saxophone from 5th grade through high school. He continued his love of music at Vincennes University as an Audio Recording major and member of the VU Pep Band. After earning his Associates Degree at Vincennes, Drew transferred to Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There, he continued to study audio recording and was a proud member of the marching band -- Band of Blue. Drew excitedly returned to MTSU in August of 2020. He came back home on Labor Day for a visit, happy and seemingly healthy. 2 weeks later, we lost him. It took 6 weeks to determine that he had died from an Addisonian crisis.
Please see his parents' interview here.
Drew was a loyal Cardinal, Colts, and Illini fan and he loved soccer. He is greatly missed by his parents, brother, grandparents, family and friends.
In memory of Melissa Clemens
Melissa was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency in January, 2019 and became a volunteer at The National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF) soon after to raise awareness and help others. She passed away suddenly on May 24, 2020 at 39 years old.
Melissa was a candidate for her Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Graduate School in the Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics track of the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences program. She was in her final year of study with plans to graduate in December.
Her dissertation project was focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)-Induced Liver Injury and liver regeneration. Her highly innovative work identified potential new therapeutic strategies that were being tested to minimize the damage that occurs in the liver following acetaminophen overdose. She was also very active in the Graduate Student Association and served as a mentor to many new students.
Her mother wrote, “She sparkled everywhere she went and never knew a stranger. I am so glad I was blessed to be her mom. Her life was a joy to us. Melissa, We love you. Rest now my sweet girl and I will see you again. Please pray for her father and I, her husband Loren, her step son Zac and his wife Alexa, her sister Tiffany, husband Frank and her sweet beloved niece Trinity.”
In memory of Brandon H. Michael Dailey
Brandon was born January 20, 1994, and diagnosed with Addison’s disease at 9 years old. The signs included weakness, could not stand up, dark skin pigmentation and low sodium. The years to follow in Brandon’s life became a daily struggle. Brandon was prescribed Cortef and Florinef, for which he would need to take his entire life, because without it, death would be the outcome.
Over the years, Brandon struggled as he dealt with Addison’s disease, anger, depression, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome. These health issues impacted him in school, jobs, relationships - and life itself.
Brandon was a great guy who loved music, fishing, hunting, swimming and loved spending time with his nephews and niece, sister Kayla, Nana Dieter, family and friends. However, Brandon was non-compliant with taking his medications and ashamed of having the disease. He passed away on November 29, 2017 from complications from Addison’s disease and cardiac arrhythmia.
Brandon’s name will live on forever, because we will never let it die.
- Love, Mom, Dad, Kayla and Nana Dieter
In memory of Christie Marie Williams
Christie, at the age of 23, passed away on March 3, 2009 in her San Jose home. Her death was related to Addison’s Disease, which she was diagnosed with last June. Read the Euology.
THE CHRISTIE M WILLIAMS RACE FOR AWARENESS
Thank you for your generous donations to the Christie M. Williams Race for Awareness. Together we raised over $8,000! See the race results here.
Jamie Williams’ 2010 Wine and Chocolate Fundraiser in Honor and Memory of her dear Sister Christie
With over 100 in attendance, which included such notaries as retired San Francisco 49er Wide Receiver Dwight Clark, and silent auction items such as a signed picture, CD and harmonica from Huey Lewis, a signed football from Dwight Clark, volleyball signed by Kerri Walsh (Olympics winner), a hockey stick signed by members of the 2009-2010 Sharks team, and a jersey signed by the 2008/2009 Sharks team. Jamie Williams’ Wine & Chocolate Fundraiser was a great success, raising an astounding $6,235.03 for NADF and adrenal patients!