CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A powerful Charlotte businessman started fundraising for multiple sclerosis 15 years ago when his friend’s daughter was diagnosed with the disease. He raised thousands of dollars for the cause. Then years later, he learned two of his own children came down with the disease.

After 30 years in the theater business, Herman Stone's met all the big stars, Tom Hanks, Dolly Parton, Goldie Hawn-- just to name a few.

On his wall are pictures of all the Consolidated Theaters he's built across six states. And for 15 years, he's supported Multiple Sclerosis research because of a friend's daughter who had the disease.

But now the Charlotte businessman is turning his passion for work into a passion for fundraising because two of his children.

Wesley Brock and Justin Stone have both been diagnosed with the disease in the last five years.

Multiple Sclerosis attacks the brain and spinal cord.

“I went to my eye doctor and they said, your eyes are fine. There's something going on probably back in your brain,” said Justin.

Wesley's disease was diagnosed five years earlier with tingling in her back and fatigue.

Her father wishes he could have the disease himself so his children would not have to suffer.

“At first it was devastating. I'll be honest with you. I would catch myself waking up [at] two to three in the morning and not being able to go back to sleep. A lot of tears,” he said.

But the Stones as a family are using those tears and this strong family love to push for a cure.

Wesley's disease is not stopping her. The mother of two stays active with her children and her two silky terriers. Her dad, however, is changing his focus.

“From now on out I'm going to be raising as much money as i possibly can,” he said.

Herman Stone is being honored with the Hope Award at the upcoming Dinner of Champions Fundraiser. Eyewitness News anchor Kim Brattain will be the emcee for the evening. It’s April 12th at Tiffany’s in SouthPark Mall.

For more information on the Dinner of Champions Fundraiser, click here.