Elliana "Ellie" May Leykam

Elliana “Ellie” May Leykam, 2-month-old daughter of Jonah and Elizabeth Leykam of Phoenix, AZ, passed away Monday, November 18, 2024. The Private Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. and visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. Monday, November 25, at Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home Chapel located at 4800 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018.

Ellie arrived two months earlier than her due date, bringing joy and light into their lives. With her sweetness and big blue eyes, she captivated everyone she met. Ellie was born with a rare metabolic disorder known as Trifunctional Protein Deficiency (TFP), which prevented her body from using fat for energy. Despite her challenges, Ellie fought valiantly against her diagnosis for as long as she could. With the support, love, and snuggles, from family and from her incredible internal strength, she grew and conquered milestone after milestone for a premature baby. 

She inspired everyone who met her and fought as hard as her body would allow. She was able to come home after being cared for at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for 6 weeks. At the hospital and at home, she loved being sung to, a few of her toys and stuffed animals, and exploring new things with her parents.

Ellie was born September 25, 2024, in Phoenix, AZ. In addition to parents Liz and Jonah, she is also survived by great-grandparents, Ron and JoAnne Blackford, Chicago, IL, Maxine Leykam, Washington, MO, grandparents, Karen Leykam, Phoenix, AZ, Becky Burnier-Shaw and Les Shaw, Chicago, IL, Dave Burnier, Chicago, IL, aunts and uncles, Josh and Paige Leykam, Phoenix, AZ, Jordan and Krista Leykam, Kansas City, MO, Kate Burnier, Nashville, TN, Jim Burnier, Chicago, IL, as well as numerous cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Ellie Leykam's Memorial Fund (please see link below). 

Memorial Fund Link: https://gofund.me/cf0c7b1e

They are asking in lieu of flowers to contribute towards a memorial fund. The funds will go towards a private garden, a memorial bench, and an organization dedicated to raising funds for research for genetic metabolic conditions in remembrance of her. If you wish to make a direct donation to the foundation instead, please see details below.

Thank you for keeping Ellie and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Your support means more than words can express.

For Direct Donations to the Foundation: 

ONLINE: Donate Now - UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation. Under the Gift Designation field, please select “Other” and type in Elliana Leykam/Fisch Family Fund. The online form will prompt for the tribute name and info.

CHECK: Please make check payable to “UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation” and note IMO of Elliana Leykam/Fisch Family Fund in the memo or in accompanying correspondence. Mail checks to UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation, 4401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224.