The error "PROTOCOL_CONNECTION_LOST" typically occurs when your MySQL server isn't running, the database doesn't exist, or the connection is improperly configured. First, verify your MySQL server is running (try brew services list on macOS or sudo systemctl status mysql on Linux) and ensure the charity_tracker database exists (check with mysql -u root then SHOW DATABASES;). Your connection code appears correct for a local setup with no password, but consider using a connection pool for better reliability. If the issue persists, try restarting MySQL (sudo /usr/local/mysql/support-files/mysql.server restart) or temporarily removing the database: 'charity_tracker' line to test the connection, then create the database manually if missing. Also check for any MySQL error logs which might reveal why the server is closing the connection.