The Life of Victoria "Tori" Rose

Victoria “Tori” Rose Matta was the younger daughter of Eliu and Valinda Matta and the beloved little sister of Mariah. A child of God, Tori was full of life—bright, energetic, athletic, and wise well beyond her years. She had a rare presence that drew people to her effortlessly, whether they were adults or children her own age. Wherever Tori went, she brought joy.

When she wasn’t excelling academically as a dedicated student or sharpening her soccer skills, Tori could be found laughing with friends or spending time with her family. As she grew older, her faith deepened, and she became increasingly curious about God and the purpose of her life. Guided by that faith, Tori showed a natural compassion for others—helping less fortunate children at school and leading by example on and off the soccer field.

At home, Tori cherished simple moments. She loved watching WWE wrestling with her dad and enjoying the latest sci-fi shows on Netflix with her mom. While her parents meant the world to her, no one held a more special place in her heart than her big sister, Mariah.

The two sisters were inseparable. They spent countless days shopping around town, ending their adventures with ice cream or frozen yogurt. When they weren’t exploring the Treasure Coast, they could often be found side by side in the garage, painting canvases together. In Tori’s later years, with Mariah’s guidance, her faith grew even stronger as they spent many days together in church. And when she wasn’t painting, shopping, practicing soccer, or attending church, Tori loved tagging along to sneak a peek at Mariah’s college dorm and spending time with the “college kids.”

Those who knew Tori knew this to be true: she was a gift. A living angel whose kindness, light, and love left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

During the final months of Tori’s life, much of what she loved—school, soccer, and everyday childhood moments—was taken from her. Yet, through this loss, her philanthropic spirit grew stronger. Tori witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking reality many families face during pediatric cancer treatment: parents being forced to leave their sick children alone so they could work to cover mounting expenses. As a family, we experienced this painful reality ourselves and came to understand that there is no greater need during this journey than the ability to be by your child’s side.

Tori wanted to help others. She selflessly allowed her cancer to be researched and expressed a heartfelt wish that families facing similar battles would not have to choose between financial survival and being present for their child. She wanted parents to have the time together that cancer so often steals.

The Tori Rose Foundation Inc. was created to honor Tori’s final wish—to ease the financial burden that cancer treatment places on children and their families. Donations to the foundation directly support families of children battling cancer, helping provide relief during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

As a token of appreciation, every donor becomes part of our growing army known as Victoria’s Warriors. Together, as a community united by compassion and purpose, we raise awareness, strengthen resources, and ensure that families in need are never alone in their fight.

No one fights alone.