'Call 911': Fundraiser Set Up For Man Who Collapsed At Bergen County Meeting

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A fundraiser for a man who collapsed at a Bergen County council meeting is halfway toward its goal, but is seeking more donations.

Community members were discussing a development project at the March 26 New Milford Mayor and Council meeting when — an hour and fifteen minutes into the meeting — video showed everyone suddenly looking off-screen.

"Someone needs to call 911," a woman says in the video (below), while another says, "We need an ambulance."

The council is then seen reconvening around a table in a separate room.

Officials announced that the person was responsive and on the way to the hospital, but police were still using the courtroom.

The Fundraiser

Days later, a GoFundMe was set up by a friend, called "Help Charlie Recover From Cardiac Arrest."

"Charlie is truly the nicest person you could ever meet," writes Megan Dezerga on the fundraising page. "He’s generous, caring, and always goes above and beyond for others, even when he has his own medical crisis...

"About to be a 35-year-old young man, who recently experienced a terrifying medical emergency at a town hall meeting—he went into cardiac arrest and had a seizure in front of everyone. Thanks to quick action, he was revived, but the experience was traumatic … Charlie is on the road to recovery, wearing a defibrillator vest."

Dezerga said her friend faces unknown medical expenses.

"He’s been there for me through my hardest moments—he’s my best friend, my bridesman, and a truly genuine human who deserves kindness from others," she writes. "Even a small donation can make a big difference."

The fundraiser had received more than $2,300 in donations by Saturday, and has a goal of $5,000.

Read more about it here.

Patch has reached out for more information and will update this story if it's received.