Charles Leone Memorial Fund

This memorial fund has been established in honor of Chuck Leone, a beloved father, brother, and friend. 

Chuck’s MS journey began shortly after joining the United States Army in 1985. Symptom onset presented in the form of heavy-seeming, fatigued legs that made physical training extremely difficult despite dad’s athleticism and physical fitness. Several years after the onset of his symptoms Charles was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in the early 1990’s. 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. MS is different for everyone, and that makes it all the more challenging to solve. PPMS is characterized by worsening neurologic function (accumulation of disability) from the onset of symptoms, without early relapses or remissions. This is different than the more common types of MS that come in waves or episodes followed by periods of disease inactivity. 

Soon after diagnosis dad’s disease led him to require the use of a cane. Shortly afterwards came his first of many chairs to come—a self-propelled wheelchair. A few years later came his first power chair outfitted with a joystick for directional movement. By the early 2000’s Chuck moved onto the same type of chair he had until his passing: a power chair that used a combination of air pushed through a straw and a button near his temple to assist him in setting the speed and directionality of his wheelchair. 

Though MS took dad’s ability to walk and use his hands and arms, he refused to let it take much else. His mind was still sharp as ever which lent credence to his sly sense of humor and wisdom that far surpassed his years. Despite his disease dad lived everyday with steadfast optimism. He never complained about the hand that he’d been dealt and persevered through the most challenging of his days with valor and resiliency. MS took, and took, and took—but the more it took away the more clearly we could all see what remained: strength, courage, faith, and a boundless ability to forgive and to love.  

Charles Leone passed away peacefully on July 31^st, 2021, just one day short of what would have been his 61^st birthday. He was truly a light in the darkness; a glimmer of hope and cheerfulness where none should be expected. 

If not for the timing of his diagnosis, the support of Veteran Affairs, and the research and trials that countless doctors and scientists have conducted, our dad would surely have not seen most of the wonderful 60 years he’d been given. 

The cause of MS is still unknown. Scientists believe that a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing MS. This vision of the National MS Society is a world free of MS. They are a driving force of MS research and treatment to stop disease progression, restore function, and end MS forever. 

In honor of Chuck, we are asking you to consider donating to the National MS Society. Your gift will help fund cutting-edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education, and provide programs and services to help people with MS move their lives forward. 

With love,

Kaylee and Charlie