I’m creating this GoFundMe for my dear friends, the Baldridge family, who are going through something no parent should ever have to face—the loss of their son, Christian Alexander Baldridge. Christian was born January 5, 1999, in Jacksonville, NC and passed away unexpectedly this week at just 27 years old. He was kind, thoughtful, and had a gentle nature. When he was younger, he loved baking cupcakes and had such a creative, imaginative spirit. He had been living in San Francisco for the past several years, but his heart was always with his family in Michigan. He was deeply loved by his brother, two sisters, his mom, dad, and bonus mom.

Right now, the Baldridge family is navigating the shock and heartbreak of losing their firstborn son, while also trying to figure out how to bring him home to Michigan. The funds raised will go directly toward bringing Christian home from California and covering funeral arrangements so his family can lay him to rest with the care and dignity he deserves. There are also unexpected expenses that come with a loss like this, especially when it happens out of state, and this support will help ease that immediate financial burden. More than anything, this is about giving his family the space to grieve without the added stress of how they’re going to manage these costs. Christian’s loss is being felt in a way that words can’t fully capture.

If you’re able to give, thank you. If you can’t, sharing this means just as much. Your support, in any form, truly matters during a time like this. Let’s come together to help bring Christian home and support this family in a time they need it most.