My name is Keith Dawson and I’m setting up this fund raiser for Charlie Lehnen and Jilla Nadimi. Charlie grew up next door to where I live in St. Paul, MN, and I have known him and Jilla for years. They got engaged in 2024.

Charlie and Jilla were in a serious car accident in Los Angeles on Sept. 24 and they will need funds to tide them over until insurance and legal options play out and while Charlie, in particular, recovers enough to resume his studies and career.

Here is what happened in Jilla’s words:

“We were walking home from school, 10:00 pm, about a block from home, when we got hit in the crosswalk by a car that ran a red light. I rolled onto the car and went through the windshield. Charlie was flung at least 15 feet and landed in the intersection. They had to cut me out of the windshield and I came out requiring stitches, with serious bruising and muscle atrophy. Charlie had severe back fractures that required emergency spinal surgery. We’re fine other than that and should make good recoveries, but it will take a long time. Charlie will need to have a second surgery to remove the screws a year from now.”

Jilla hopes to be able to return to school soon, while acting as Charlie’s caregiver. Charlie is looking at six weeks in bed, six weeks of PT, and three months of gradually easing restriction. After the second surgery in a year’s time, everything resets: more bed rest, more PT, gradual improvement again.

Not much can happen on the legal front until 36 weeks have elapsed and lawyers can gain access to the police accident reports.

The money raised here will go to cover medical expenses, equipment for accommodations at home, respite care so Jilla can have a break now and then, and other unanticipated expenses resulting from this sudden and shocking turn of events.