Sharing on behalf of the entire Hayes/DeRamus family, we find ourselves grappling with an unimaginable loss.

This morning [Friday], we lost my beloved sister-in-law, Leah DeRamus. She leaves behind her husband, Mark, and their two sons, Leupold (13) and Walther (11). My in-laws have lost their only daughter, and my husband has lost his only sibling. I have lost my sister-in-law, and my children have lost their Aunt Leah. The devastation we feel is profound, and it’s difficult to articulate the heartbreak of this sudden and unexpected loss. My nephews had only 11 and 13 short years with their mother and now face a future without her guidance and warmth. Mark is left to navigate life without his life partner. Leah was just shy of 42 years old - with her birthday on January 31st.

Years ago, Leah chose to step away from social media, opting to keep in touch with family and friends through heartfelt letters. Many of you may be familiar with her ongoing health battles, perhaps through her annual updates or conversations with Sonny, Kim, Mark, Heath and myself. After enduring years of hospital stays, pain, and numerous near-death experiences, Leah was finally diagnosed with porphyria in 2024 - a rare blood disorder that significantly impacted her health. The treatment, involving monthly injections costing upwards of $70,000 each, had begun to improve her quality of life in 2025. She had recently experienced a better year than she had in a long, long time, which brought us all hope!

Due to her condition, Leah faced severe episodes during her menstrual cycles that required regular hospital visits. In a positive step toward stability, she underwent a hysterectomy last Tuesday and was discharged the following day. Though she experienced some discomfort, she was home in time to celebrate Leupold’s 13th birthday [Wednesday], filled with hope for a more normal and pain-free future.

Tragically, Leah went to sleep Thursday night and did not wake up. The cause remains uncertain, but an autopsy will be conducted in hopes to provide answers and perhaps a measure of closure. It is a small comfort to know she was unaware and free from pain in her final moments. She took her last breath lying next to Mark whom she loved so dearly.

Leah was dedicated to homeschooling her boys while Mark serves as the sole financial provider for their family. The future feels daunting and painful to contemplate without her…

A heartfelt prayer from a loved one resonates deeply:

“And Lord, please be with Mark and his boys today. Surround them with your presence in this moment of unimaginable loss. Protect Leupold and Walther. Comfort them in their confusion, their sadness, and their longing for their mother. Strengthen Mark as he steps into a future he never expected.

Raise up a community around them of family and friends who will support them tangibly. Let their needs be met through their relationships. Build a shelter of support, love, and strength around this family.

Lord, I ask that Leah’s life be honored.

May her memory live on through her family and the beauty she brought into this world and the lives she touched. Hold the DeRamus family close, and in time, allow moments of light and remembrance.

Amen.”

For those who wish to help monetarily, we've created a GoFundMe account to support Mark and the boys during this incredibly difficult time. We are also working on a meal train to bring nourishment and comfort in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your love and support during this incredibly challenging time.

Heath Hayes & Danielle Hayes, Malcolm (Sonny) Hayes & Kim Hayes