This time of year, memories abound.
For Charley Wagoner and his family, those memories become more precious every day.

Doctors diagnosed Wagoner with Type 1 diabetes at 9-years-old, and has since struggled with a lifetime of serious health struggles.

Over the years, this condition has led to complications including legal blindness, constant daily swelling and gastroparesis, which is a condition that causes food to stay in the stomach for too long.

Charley Wagoner has been given a prognosis of 6 to 9 more months to live after several failed treatments and surgeries. During this remaining time, he is aiming to raise money and give back to his two children and niece.

"I know a lot of people in Youngstown...and they always know I come through for anything anyone ever needed. This is one time I actually need help," he told 21 News.

Money raised through his GoFundMe will go towards the following:

  • A last family trip to Hocking Hills or Scene 75 in Dayton for a special Christmas experience.
  • Gold memorial urn pendants to hold cremation ashes for his children and close family members. 
  • Funeral and cremation costs.

Any excess funding raised through the GoFundMe will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help other families battling Type 1 diabetes and secure insulin pumps for children in need. 

At the time of writing this article, Charley has raised $2,635 of a $24,000 goal. His mom Lynn McElroy says she's been overwhelmed by the support.

"You know it's a blessing because my time is focused right now on making sure he's kept as comfortable as possible, and I don't have the time to go out here and do all this stuff for him," she said.

Charley also states in an update posted to his GoFundMe on November 21 that once the goal reaches 20%, he will be taking his family to choose their pendants and an urn. Charley says, "I appreciate all the support allowing me to do this before my final days, seriously thank you all!"

In addition to this GoFundMe, friends of Charley are finding other ways to help. 

Brent Furrie posted to Facebook that anyone who donates or has donated to Charley's GoFundMe has the chance to win two tickets to the Maronite Center Holiday Brawl on November 30.