Gabriel Hauff Memorial Fund

My name is Christine Couts and I am a close friend of Audra Hauff. Our daughters Olivia and Hannah have attended school together since the first grade. On October 10, 2021, Audra and Jeff tragically lost their eldest child and only son; at the same time, Hannah lost her big brother.

 

Gabe was a vibrant and happy young man with a full life ahead of him. An avid thespian and active in our community. Always willing to lend a helping hand and never met a stranger. He will be missed by many along side his family.

 

Our family experienced a similar tragedy in 2018 with the unexpected loss of our eldest daughter Taylor, Olivia's big sister. There are not words to express the chaos the ensues immediately with the sudden death of your child, as an adult who is or has set off into the world on their own. You haven't been holding their hand and taking them to the doctor or other appointments like you do when they are younger. They haven't needed a ride to events or work for some time now because they've been taking care of those things themselves. And because they are young and just embarking on their adult life, you don't think to plan for a tragedy and final arrangements.

 

It is very difficult to navigate what happens in the moments following the words, "I'm sorry they're gone." Unfortunately, along with this tragedy comes immediate and unexpected decisions and daunting expenses (Final arrangements, hospital bills - and we know how many pieces there are to those, ambulatory services, etc.). There is time lost from work (lost wages), grief counseling (most likely ongoing counseling) - and if you are lucky enough to have this covered by insurance it still comes at an unplanned expense but very necessary cost.

 

To say that all of this is overwhelming doesn't really accurately describe what you are going through because you are navigating it all in a state of complete shock.

 

I know that some help has been provided to the Hauff family for the Gabriel's final arrangements. I also know that there are expenses that they will be faced with even after these services are over. It is for this reason I ask that you consider contributing to this fundraiser. Let's help to lift up the Hauff Family and ease their burden as they navigate the days ahead to the best of their abilities.