Family Launches GoFundMe Page for #ChuckieStrong Donations As High School Rallies Around 2013 Grad

Warwick graduate Chuckie Magee has been a fighter all of his life, surviving a rare genetic disorder that doctors predicted would be fatal before he turned two. Now he’s battling bone cancer.

After an article was published on LititzDailyNews.com on Monday about the challenges facing Chuckie and his mother, Bev, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the Lititz community has responded.

“It’s very overwhelming to know there are so many people out there that love my little man,” said Bev Magee. The family is hoping to bring Chuckie home in a few weeks to a different residence, one that will easily accommodate the wheelchair he now requires following a leg amputation last week.

Tonight’s free throw fundraising event in Lititz will take place during half time at the Warwick boys’ basketball home game. Student organizers Madi Morris and Aubrie Bunnell are calling for a “yellow out” at the game—they want students and spectators to come dressed in yellow in support of Chuckie’s fight against sarcoma.

And if you don’t already have a yellow shirt, you can buy one at the game. His uncle, Scott, designed a shirt featuring words that describe Chuckie, such as faith, laughter, and heart.

Morris is hoping the whole community turns out in support. She and Bunnel sold merchandise during lunch periods this week, including a clothing item closely associated with Chuckie when he went to Warwick: bandanas.

“We started with 350 and we only have 42 left right now,” said Bunnell last night. The bandanas were donated by Bomberger’s, and Bunnell says additional donations are on the way.

“My mom’s work (Willow Valley) will be donating 50 more bandanas tonight,” she said. “Along with bandanas, we’ll be selling Chuckie Strong t-shirts for $15 and Chuckie Strong bracelets for $3,” she said.

They hope to completely run out of merchandise during the game, which will be attended by Chuckie’s sister and streamed via Facetime live to his hospital room, where Bev has stayed by his bedside since October. There will even be a special “Chant for Chuckie” at the game.

Those unable to come to the game can donate to family through the GoFundMe page set up for Chuckie, with the goal of raising $5,000. So far $400 has been donated to the fund.

Other fundraisers are in the works to benefit the Magee family, including one at Chick-Fil-A at the end of the month, and one early next year at Roma Pizza, where Chuckie volunteered as a worker.

“Over and over, God has made his presence known,” Bev said. For her and daughter Katie Groves, their faith has been instrumental in helping them cope with all of the challenges.

“We are strong believers in God, we’ve seen a lot of miracles with my brother through 23 years, so we carry that with us each day,” said Katie.

“There’s a lot times where you don’t know what’s going to happen next, and the only thing you can do is pray, and that’s all you can do,’ she said. “God answers prayers.”

The family has had many people praying for them-over 1,200 people are on a Facebook prayer page created to support them-and their efforts have had an impact on the Bev and the entire Magee family.

“You actually can feel the prayers,” Bev said.

The Varsity basketball game starts tonight at the Warwick gymnasium at 7:30 p.m. Wear yellow, come early, and show your support for the Magees, our first family featured in our “12 Families of Christmas” series about families in need in Lititz this holiday season.

Lynn Rebuck writes about family and faith for LititzDailyNews.com. She welcomes your comments and questions to [email protected].