WALL OF HONOR

2017 Inductees

David Leys, JR

David was a lifelong resident of Middletown Rhode Island. He was an exceptional father to his three children Bowen, Ryan & Annie. He was an active member of many local organizations. Most notable and close to his heart were the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County & the Norman Bird Sanctuary.

In high school David ran track and field team and as an adult he participated in many triathlons throughout the northeast. He also was an annual Swimmer in the local Save the Bay.

David lived courageously with ALS for five years. He lost his battled on August 2, 2017. He was surrounded by an abundance of family, friends, & Caretakers. He retained his sense of humor and his ability to crack a joke throughout his illness.

David was grateful and touched over and over again by the tremendous support he received from the Aquidneck Island community and beyond. The incredible support allowed his family to enjoy their time with him. For this the entire Leys family will be forever grateful.

Jim Harper

Jim is an active advocate for the ALS community. He has organized the annuall event a swift cause that successfully raised funds for the Swift family to support ALS and help the family with their needs.

Jim is always willing to lend a hand when it comes to helping community events to support local causes, he has spent countless years making speaches in RI High Schools for the RI Blood Bank.

He is a consistent volunteer for The Finish for a Guinness race and can be counted on for dependability and great energy.

In our years of involvement in ALS people like Jim are most important in the fight. Without the “doers”

These great events and all their success would not be a reality.

Jim lives in warren with his wife Traci daughter Sophia and son Hayden.

2016 Inducees

Natalie Swift

Natalie has been an inspiration to our community. Having ALS for many years she has taken the diagnosis and has brought a positive energy to many around her sometimes without even trying. Natalie's main focus continues to be on her family, her husband Neil and her six children, Nathan, Luke, Margaret, Grace, Thomas, and Matthew. She is often seen traveling to many community, as well as, sporting events to follow her children and keep life as normal as possible. Her home is often a welcoming place for visits and sharing of laughter and friendships. She has a strong faith which carries her through the challenging days with strength and courage. While we search for a cure for ALS we know that people like Natalie make the fight worth fighting. She has shown so many what true faith looks like here on earth. We are all blessed to have crossed paths with her and we are honored to be able to bring healing and support to her and her family.

Christopher Stone

He was an active young man who loved to ski and hunt as well as other outdoor activities. He worked side by side with his father in the family business, installing garage doors. He lived in Middleboro MA with his wife Amy and son Christopher. Tragically he was diagnosed with ALS in December of 2008. The Christopher Stone Fund was set up shortly after to help Chris and his family keep life as normal as possible while fighting this disease. Chris lost his battle in August 2009. Since that time the Christopher Stone Fund with the help of Amy Stone has helped many families and organizatinos throughout the community. Amy and Christopher, now 9, live in Warren and continue to stay involved with the fight against ALS.

Willliam J. Szeliga

William loved life and lived it to the fullest for 58 years. "Work hard, play harder" was his motto. Bill showed great strength and courage during his eight years living with ALS, and inspired others to find joy and gratitude in spite of illness. Bill was an electrical engineer who served proudly in the Marines for four years and enjoyed many outdoor adventures in the years following. Skiing was his greatest passion with gardening and astronomy as close seconds. He enjoyed reliving and sharing memories of his experiences when he was no longer able to do them. He loved, and was loved deeply by his wife Lori and Daughter Ruby, parents Chester and Alice Szeliga, and many friends and family.