LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP -- A Cumberland County football family is hoping for the ultimate miracle: a new heart for Dad.
While Chas Wagner, a senior lineman for Trinity High School's football team, is playing his heart out, his father's heart is giving out, unfortunately.
Wagner finds a way to get it done on the football field, though. He is Trinity's top lineman and one of the best in the area. "The biggest challenge is with our numbers," Wagner said. "We really don't have that many kids on the team."
As a result, Wagner plays both offense and defense. "He came into this season, he was pretty determined; one way or another he was going to go both ways and fight through anything he had," said head coach Bill Ragni.
Did you hear that? Fight through anything.
Like Chas' father's need for a heart transplant. "If I don't get a heart, I'm going to die," said Chuck Wagner.
Chuck's body is rejecting an artificial heart valve that's been working fine for more than 20 years. He has been on a transplant list since 2009.
When you've been waiting and waiting for a transplant, the best days are Fridays. Chuck enjoys being in the bleachers; snapping pictures; rooting on his son and the sons of others.
"They always come up to me, ask me how I am. 'Can I ever do anything for you, Mr. Wagner?'" he said.
He added that all of his children -- Chas and two daughters-- are organ donors, something he is very proud of. He may also undergo an experimental heart surgery lessen the stress on his other organs, which have been affected by his heart trouble.
Doctors tell Chuck Wagner his heart is now working at 15% of what it should be.
Chas feels differently. Dad's giving it his all -- 100% of what he has; finding a way to get it done, even though he has little control over the final outcome.
That inspires him.
"I use him as an example of never stop trying," Chas said. "Always persevere; you can always get through it.
"So every time (a difficulty) comes my way, I just push through it."
While Chas Wagner, a senior lineman for Trinity High School's football team, is playing his heart out, his father's heart is giving out, unfortunately.
Wagner finds a way to get it done on the football field, though. He is Trinity's top lineman and one of the best in the area. "The biggest challenge is with our numbers," Wagner said. "We really don't have that many kids on the team."
As a result, Wagner plays both offense and defense. "He came into this season, he was pretty determined; one way or another he was going to go both ways and fight through anything he had," said head coach Bill Ragni.
Did you hear that? Fight through anything.
Like Chas' father's need for a heart transplant. "If I don't get a heart, I'm going to die," said Chuck Wagner.
Chuck's body is rejecting an artificial heart valve that's been working fine for more than 20 years. He has been on a transplant list since 2009.
When you've been waiting and waiting for a transplant, the best days are Fridays. Chuck enjoys being in the bleachers; snapping pictures; rooting on his son and the sons of others.
"They always come up to me, ask me how I am. 'Can I ever do anything for you, Mr. Wagner?'" he said.
He added that all of his children -- Chas and two daughters-- are organ donors, something he is very proud of. He may also undergo an experimental heart surgery lessen the stress on his other organs, which have been affected by his heart trouble.
Doctors tell Chuck Wagner his heart is now working at 15% of what it should be.
Chas feels differently. Dad's giving it his all -- 100% of what he has; finding a way to get it done, even though he has little control over the final outcome.
That inspires him.
"I use him as an example of never stop trying," Chas said. "Always persevere; you can always get through it.
"So every time (a difficulty) comes my way, I just push through it."