On December 22, 2020 Charley suffered a stroke, which is so hard for us to imagine with him only being 36. This has our hearts broken. Charley is now in critical condition and we are taking everything step by step, baby steps. We thank God that Charley was here at home when this happened. God knew where he needed to be. And we know everything is in His hands.
Those of you who know Charley, know he has a larger than life personality. He’s never met a stranger. Among the most admirable things about him is his ability to connect with anyone. He goes out of his way to make everyone comfortable. One way or another he’d make you laugh...even if it was simply by listening to him laugh.
Another part of his personality is he’s a fighter. He entered this world fighting for his life at Rex Hospital in Raleigh as a premature baby. Now some 36+ years later he’s doing the same thing at the same place. Lord willing, his fight won’t end there. He will likely continue this battle over the coming days, weeks, months, and possibly years.
We are hopeful he will regain a good portion of his quality of life, but that will not happen soon. The rehabilitation required will be extensive and prolonged. There are no realistic expectations he will be able to return to work or be completely independent in the near term.
As a family we are tremendously blessed to have had overwhelming support from our friends and community these past few days. Many have asked what they can do to help. Knowing the long journey ahead we figured setting up this fundraiser is likely the best way to provide him with whatever assistance we can.
Charley is a giver. A giver of laughter, love, and support in anyway he knows how. We want to be able to give back to him. We’re all looking forward to the day he lights up the room with laughter once more. It’s never easy to ask for help. Especially not in these times of great collective sorrow and hardship. But we are asking for yours now, whether that is through thoughts, prayers, or any possible donation you can provide. We are sincerely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from you all.
“Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31