In Loving Memory of Christa: Support for Her Family

Christa Bauer Gilley’s death on Oct. 8th, 2024, has been an unbelievable tragedy for everyone in her community, which spans states and stages of life, from South Carolina to Pennsylvania to Texas, childhood to new colleagues and neighbors.

The circumstances have been nothing short of gut-wrenching. Christa was nine weeks pregnant. Her husband has been charged with capital murder, accused of killing her and her unborn child. But the loss for everyone who knew and loved her is more than the nightmarish details of her death.

Christa, at her core, was a caregiver. It was no surprise that she went into the healthcare field, excelled as a physical therapist and then as a professor. She was compassionate with patients, considerate with students, and kind hearted with colleagues. She brought life to nearly any social situation. And joy to those who knew her from all stages of her life.

Christa was a devoted daughter. The epitome of a protective big sister. And a generous, nurturing friend. Most importantly, to Christa, she was a mother – the embodiment of selfless care – to her two surviving children. They will turn two and four in the coming months, without the mom who’d already planned their birthday celebrations.

For all of us lucky enough to receive that special care from Christa – in small doses and large; over decades or days – we have the opportunity to pay it forward, and help those who are a living part of her and her legacy. For those that never had the privilege of meeting her but are inspired by her story, we welcome you, as she would undoubtedly have done, too.

During this incredibly difficult time, Christa’s family needs our help. Please consider a donation to support her family and mitigate the burden of legal, court and travel costs, so they can focus on surrounding her children with love and stability in this devastating time, and for years to come. Your help will also go towards childcare, food and housing expenses that will allow them to concentrate on Christa’s babies, and not the financial stress of this heart-wrenching loss. Any money raised beyond the immediate needs of the family will go directly to Christa's children to help provide for their futures.

Together, we’ll keep her caring, beautiful spirit alive.

Thank you,

Her friends and chosen sisters, "The Pink Ladies"

*In an effort to make things as easy as possible for the Bauer's, this will be the one and only GoFundMe account. Any other accounts that may be started are not guaranteed to be legitimate fundraising sources.

This fundraiser is being organized by Liza McGilvery, a friend of Christa's, on behalf of Christa's family. All funds will be managed by Chris Bauer (Christa's dad).