Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is working with Madina Lake's management and Pledge Music to help raise funds for Madina Lake bassist Matthew Leone.   Matthew was rushed to the hospital last week after incurring several broken bones and head trauma when he heroically intervened in a domestic dispute between a husband and wife near his home.  He is currently on the road to recovery but will need our help in order to pay the substantial bills.  Thank you for your support.

Here is a message from Matthew's brother Nathan, who is also in Madina Lake:

"On behalf of Matthew, myself, our family and our extended ML family, we are absolutely floored by the compassion, love and support shown from people around the world. We've never experienced anything like it and to be honest, we're not even sure what we could say that would accurately express our gratitude and appreciation. I'll be posting a comprehensive update on Matthew's condition, prognosis and plans for the immediate future shortly. For now, many have so graciously inquired as to where any donations can be made to assist with medical expenses, etc. (unfortunately, Matthew's health insurance expired a few months ago while we were on tour in Europe). Our management has helped organize a few options, should anyone feel they want to donate. We simply can't thank you enough for your generosity, compassion, love and amazing energy that has all been an integral part of Matthew's recovery. More soon, all the love in the world" ....Nathan

You can find more information from the Madina Lake blog at http://madinaswan.tumblr.com/post/755466226/suffering-a-massive-shock

To donate you can use the Chip In widget below or if you prefer, you can donate directly through us on our donation page.  You can also mail checks made out to Sweet Relief/Matthew Leone Fund to:

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, 4952 Warner Avenue, Suite 235, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

*************UPDATE ON MATTHEW FROM HIS BROTHER NATHAN AS OF NOON JULY 3 ******************

There’s really no way to appropriately express our appreciation for everyone’s support.  We’ve had calls, letters, gifts, and well wishes pouring in from all around the world and it’s truly the most beautiful and genuine show of compassion and love that we’ve ever experienced.  we very sincerely thank you all..

Matthew’s making good progress.  His doctors have scheduled the next surgery for July 16th wherein they hope to re-apply the portion of his skull that has been removed to accommodate the swelling in his brain.  So for the next 2 weeks he will continue to rest, build up his strength and spirit and hopefully by then he’ll be healthy enough for surgery.  Huge thank you to Dr. Neckrysh and his team of neuro-surgeons and the entire staff at UIC Hospitals, who’ve been amazing and have quite literally saved Matthew’s life.

In other news, the Chicago Police Department have arrested Justin Pivec - the alleged attacker.  Detectives Michael D’Andrea and Joseph Gentile of Area 4 Special Victims Unit and the entire CPD have worked relentlessly to make the arrest and I can’t thank them enough.  For now, Justin Pivec is charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury.  We’ll release more information as we get it and as is appropriate to share.  I’ll never understand violence in general… violence against women is simply appaling.  When Matthew saw the attack in progress, he was well aware that intervening was most likely going to turn out pretty badly for himself, but he did it anyway.. i’m just super proud of him and super grateful for the community that has rallied around him.

This has been an impossible time for us and without the support of these doctors, the police, our attorney, management, friends, family, bands, labels, and every single one of you who has written, called, text, sent gifts, positive energy, love, support, awareness, etc.  I don’t think we would have been able to pull through.  So please, I hope every one of you realize what a critical part you’ve played in helping Matthew recover.  We’ll never be able to thank you enough.  all the love in the world xoxo
Nathan