Hayes Coleman Kalergis, age 5 months, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, died on Wednesday, June 20th, 2012, at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.

Born January 31, 2012, in Charleston, South Carolina, he was the son of David and Arien Kalergis. Early in his young life, Hayes was diagnosed with Omenn’s Syndrome, a very rare immunodeficiency disorder. Shortly thereafter, he was admitted to Duke Medical Center for state-of-the-art treatment, including a bone marrow transplant. Baby Hayes fought his condition with unparalleled bravery. Despite valiant efforts by everyone to keep him with us, Hayes departed this life after teaching incomparable lessons about courage and love to all who encountered him.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving sister, Greyson Rannigan Webb; his grandparents, David (Sr.) and Mary Kalergis, and Robert and Clare Rannigan; his uncles and aunts, James Kalergis and his wife Susan, Devin Rannigan and his wife Sarah, Hugh Kalergis and his wife Liberty, Chase Rannigan and his wife Paige, and Natasha Kalergis; and first cousins, Mia and Kallan Rannigan, and Grayson and Harper Kalergis; all of Charlottesville, Virginia. He is also survived by his loving great aunts, great uncles, cousins and other relations too numerous to name.

The family would like to send special thanks to the staff of the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and the PICU of Duke Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. Additional thanks are extended to the Children’s Organ Transplant Foundation and to the HJI Foundation which provided support to Hayes’ family during their months long vigil at his bedside during his battle for life. Finally, the family would like to send its deepest appreciation and thanks to the many friends who have provided so much love and support.

A memorial service in Hayes’ honor is to be held at 7:00 PM Saturday, June 23, 2012, at the Kalergis family home, 2901 Barracks Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22901. This is an open service for all family and friends who wish to attend.