Westside Stories

Charlie the Champion

Naselle residents Nate and Holly Engleson have been integral in our community for a long time. Nate is a key volunteer in the Naselle Fire Department, and Holly has spent countless hours putting on events like the Halloween Bash at the Naselle Community Center and the Easter egg hunts for the kids. They are also very involved at Naselle School, where their four kids attend. I chose to write a spotlight on them after the heartwarming homecoming they received this past week from the community.

Their youngest daughter, seven-year-old Charlotte, is an incredibly resilient young girl. In her brief life, she has faced challenges that would be overwhelming for most. Born at just 32 weeks gestation and weighing slightly over four pounds, Charlotte was born with significant health issues. She had a tracheoesophageal fistula, an incomplete esophagus that left her unable to swallow, along with multiple holes in her heart, a bicuspid valve, and coarctation of the aortic arch. These medical terms sound like something straight out of a drama series, representing any parent’s worst fears.

Throughout her life, Charlotte has endured multiple surgeries, emergency room visits, and lengthy recoveries both at home and in the hospital. The lasting effects of her various conditions have led to lung disease. Despite all these challenges, Charlotte is one of the happiest and most vibrant girls you could ever meet. She is full of energy, humor, and kindness.

Charlotte’s latest challenge began on September 23 when she was admitted to Seattle Children’s Hospital for a posterior tracheopexy surgery to attach her trachea to her spine. The surgery was expected to last four to eight hours, with a hospital stay for recovery of one to two weeks. However, the surgery ended up taking seven and a half hours, and due to a series of complications, her hospital recovery stretched to a grueling four months and one day. During her stay, she received the nickname “Charlie the Champion.”

Holly never left her side during this difficult time. She stayed in Charlotte’s room, decorated it with her daughter’s favorite items, and provided encouragement and support every step of the way. Nate visited as often as he could while managing their household as a single dad to their other three children. Charlotte was away from home for significant occasions like Halloween—her favorite holiday—Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. She celebrated her seventh birthday and Holly’s birthday in her hospital room.

Finally, on Jan. 14, the day arrived for Charlotte to go home, and the Naselle community came together to welcome her back. The Naselle Fire Department escorted the family’s vehicle into town with plenty of fanfare. Students and faculty from Naselle School gathered outside with signs, balloons, and pom-poms to cheer as they drove by. The route continued down Knappton Road, where community members waved to welcome Charlotte home. Upon arriving at their home on Route 401, friends and family were waiting to give hugs and high-fives. Charlotte’s oldest brother, Gabriel, was the first to embrace her after not seeing his little sister for four months.

You can follow “Miss Charlotte’s Journey” on Facebook to keep updated on Charlotte’s journey. Holly does a wonderful job posting updates and informing followers about what’s happening with Charlotte.

We’re all rooting for you! You truly are Charlie the Champion!

Membership at Johnson Park Community Center

A six-month Johnson Park Community Center membership is $60 for one person or $120 for a family. Membership includes unlimited access to the gym, exercise room, and activity room. For more information, please call 360-465-2310.

Updates from Naselle Lutheran Church

For 2025, services will be on Sunday at 11 a.m. The quilting group meets each Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the parsonage next to the church. Quilts benefit Lutheran World Relief. They also put together school and personal care kits. Anyone is welcome to join. Sheet donations are also welcome to provide the backing of the quilts. Dress a Girl Around the World also meets in the parsonage on the last Thursday of every month at 1 p.m.

Westside Happenings

January

26 – FAFF annual board meeting at Naselle Community Center, 4 p.m.

28 – Grays River Grange Meeting, 6:30 p.m. February

1 – Bingo at Naselle Community Center (rescheduled), doors open at 5:30 p.m., and games start at 6 p.m.

5 & 19 – Bunko at Johnson Park, doors open at 5:30 p.m. games start at 6 p.m. $5 to play all night.

To include an event on the calendar or to give feedback, please contact me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com. You can also follow me on Facebook @ Writer Lisa Yeager