Maiko Corleone

Maiko Corleone is a dedicated caregiver and proud mother originally from Yokohama, Japan. While still living in Japan, she was working part-time on a U.S. Navy base when she met her husband, Christopher. Christopher was a decorated Sailor stationed in the country at the time. Together, they spent three years in Japan and married before relocating to Texas after his transfer.    

Life for Maiko and her family took a profound turn when Christopher was diagnosed with ALS. Christopher struggles with no mobility from head to toe, and now requires 24-hour care, including ventilator support, trach management, and PEG Tube. Despite the challenges, he remains mentally strong, and technology has helped him maintain some independence. He has also published four books.

Maiko has worked tirelessly to advocate for better healthcare and support for her family. She has navigated the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), initially facing difficulties, but now receives more comprehensive care for Christopher. She also actively participates in the VA’s caregiver programs.  

Less than a month after Christopher underwent tracheostomy and feeding tube placement in August 2020, making him dependent on continuous electricity for survival, Hurricane Sally struck Pensacola, FL, where the family lives. They lost essential lifelines for nearly three weeks. Evacuating and ensuring the safety of her medically fragile husband and four children during that time became one of the greatest challenges Maiko has ever faced.

Maiko and Christopher are the proud parents of four children, ages 15 to 24. At the time of Christopher’s diagnosis, their kids were all under the age of 16. The change came at a hard time in their young lives, both emotionally and logistically, since Maiko was the only one in their busy family of six who could drive. However, her children have shown remarkable resilience, stepping up during COVID and Hurricane Sally to assist with caregiving, learning essential skills like tracheostomy and feeding tube management, and supporting each other through health crises. Their oldest son, who has long admired his dad’s service, is now preparing to join the Navy.  

In addition to her caregiving experience, Maiko wants to bring the perspective of her heritage to her advocacy. Drawing from her upbringing in Japan, where disaster preparedness and evacuation drills are a regular part of life, she recognizes the critical importance of preparation and believes similar systems of readiness would greatly benefit families in the United States, especially those caring for medically fragile loved ones. She says, “Being originally from Japan, I bring a unique perspective on caregiving. Japanese caregiving skills, tools, and practices, especially around hands-on care, family involvement, preparedness, and dignity, can provide valuable lessons for U.S. military caregivers.”