Char's Brain Surgery Needs Your Help

Hello to all,

My name is Sarah Cohen and I am a friend of Char's. Here is a little background of Char's journey written by her for her Caringbridge page:

In the early morning hours of November 25, 2024 I went to the ER with nausea, severe headache and balance difficulties. After CT scan and MRI testing, a squatter was discovered growing in my brain which had been there for years unbeknownst to me. A small lemon size tumor was found on my left cerebellum, which is now pushing on other parts of my brain. I have named the tumor, Bertha. As I am being told Bertha is benign but surgery to remove her is my only option since she is so big.

My local medical team of my vestibular PT, primary doctor and local neurosurgeon have all recommended to get into Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN as soon as possible. I have a tentative appointment on December 13 but are working to get in even sooner.

So I am asking for prayers, healing love and light for a successful surgery and recovery. And since I “famously” do not participate in any Social Medial platforms I am using Caring Bridge to keep everyone informed. Please share this page and spread the word to those who may know me. Many prayers are needed.

All my love, Char

Even though her tumor is most likely benign, it is large and pressing on many important parts of her brain. This has left her with balance difficulties, difficulty sleeping, speech difficulties, and some vision impairment. She has been unable to work for the last couple of weeks and will most likely be out of work for 3 months recovering from complex surgery. She faces a pretty intense road of rehab. During this time, she will still be responsible for all of her bills at home and for her business overhead. As a self-employed physical therapist, she does not have any sick leave to help cover those costs.

Yesterday Char received some bad news. Her insurance has denied coverage of her surgery at the Mayo clinic. There is no one in New Mexico who specializes in this type of surgery. Because it is a complex and high risk surgery, Char and her medical team feel that it is very important for her to have this surgery with the specialist she has found at the Mayo. In order to do this, Mayo clinic is asking for the money upfront before surgery since she is not covered by her insurance.

Char faces a lot of challenges right now and has been handling all of this with grace, strength, and even humor at times. I am truly in awe watching her walk through this. Many people have asked what they can do for her. Here it is. Let's help Char get this surgery. Any donation will help no matter how small it feels. Please also share this with anyone who you think might want to help. Char has given so much love and kindness to innumerable people over the years. Let's give some back to her!

In love and gratitude,

Sarah Cohen