Support Charlotte Hafen's Stroke & Brain Recovery Journey

I am starting this GoFundMe for my dear life long friend Charlotte Hafen. She was working on location in New Mexico on a commercial and experienced numbness in her right side of her face, arm and leg. The set medic acted fast and she was sent to the Presbyterian Hospital where they discovered she had a small blood clot in her left part of her brain. She was rushed to UNM Hospital where she went under tests. Two days after they discovered the clot, Charlotte had multiple mini strokes and was placed back in ICU. She was unable to speak and had paralysis on her right side of her body, unable to walk. They had to force high blood pressure to get blood to her brain so that she did not suffer brain damage. She was told that she had to undergo an extremely rare brain procedure where they place a stint (like the kind for your heart) into her brain to allow blood to flow. The doctor told Charlotte and her family that this procedure is rare, they do not have trials for this and its possible that she could suffer permanent damage. She was very lucky because this hospital has the best neurologists and surgeons in the brain medical world. On Monday 3/17/25, the surgery was performed and has been a success so far. Charlotte was diagnosed with Ischemic Stroke. This is a blood clot causing abnormal heart rhythm and a blocked artery in the head and brain that caused swelling of the arteries in the brain.

Thank the lord, the surgery was successful; however, she is starting the extremely long process of recovery and rehabilitation. Her treatment consists of at least 6 months of Brain Function and Comprehensive Therapy, Speech Therapy, Cardio Therapy to check her heart consistency to make sure it has gone back to normal after forcing high levels of blood pressure that causes strain on her heart. Physical Therapy for building muscle memory, strength and learning to walk without a walker and to be able to walk more than 10-20 minutes at a time before she starts to get fatigued. She will be seeing a therapist to help her with the anxiety and emotional toll this has taken on her. She is facing endless scans, appointments, physical, occupational therapy and uncertainty of her future with work and being able to support her son and herself through the many months ahead of her.

Her doctors told her that she must give up Production and can no longer work as a Line Producer or Production Supervisor due to the levels of stress this career causes. She is also unable to get a regular job for a minimum of 6 months to 12 months, which will cause severe strain on her and her son to have no financial reprieve. She has lost everything, her home, her ability to work, she has no insurance but luckily, she will be living with family in New Mexico while she works with her doctors to recover. In 6 months, she will go under MRI & CT scans to see if the stint has heals and no other blood clots have formed or risk of stroke. Charlotte's life is forever changed as is her son's. Those that know her, know she is one of the most loving people who will do anything for anyone. She is the strength for me when i had none.

I hope that you all will join my soul sister in her fight to recover and heal and care for her son. Any donation will go a long way. She will have to keep her and her son's stuff in storage for up to year, she will need transportation to and from appointments as she won't be able to drive; she has medical bills and medication that will not be covered. All with uncertainty of any income at all. As we all know, production jobs have been limited at best. She is facing a world of uncertainty of how to support herself and son...and figure out what the future holds.. both immediate and long term.

She has always been by my side as my dear friend supporting me through all my challenging times. And just recently, she came and supported me during a most difficult time with my brother in California who has been in ICU with surgery complications for months. Our last time together was so amazing and phenomenal...laughing, crying, cherished memories. We are praying for Charlotte and her family and open our hearts to her during this time. Let's rock this family's world and show the support they deserve! Production people, family and friends.. Let's unite and help this amazingly loving, supportive and most talented being.. show our love and care for an amazing friend who has always cared for everyone around her. Godspeed Charlotte.. we got you and know your fighting spirit will arise again. I love you from my soul cause you are, have been and always will be my TRUE SOUL SISTER!!!!