Alexa Joelle Uichico Gutierrez - the 38-year old wife of Ruffa Gutierrez's brother Elvis - died on Saturday, July 27, after a seven-month battle with leukemia.

Ruffa posted about her sister-in-law's death on Instagram, where she said:

"I am still trying to process and accept that you are no longer with us. It's so hard...Words cannot express how heartbroken and shocked I am.

I love you so much my beautiful irreplaceable Alexa. You will forever be in my thoughts and in my heart. Until we cross paths again..."

Elvis, meanwhile, updated his IG with a loving picture of him and his late wife. It only had a heart caption.

Alexa and Elvis were together for 18 years. They married in June 2015, after nine years of being in a relationship. They're blessed with two two young daughters named Aria and Ezra. 

It was during the family's vacation to Japan last Christmas that Alexa first felt sick and she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) when they came back to the Philippines in January. ALL is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow where too many white blood cells are produced, leaving the body vulnerable to infections.

During his wife's birthday last July 1, Elvis gave a sweet tribute to his wife:

"Happy birthday to the Love of my life @alexaugutz. Just know that I am here beside you through good and bad, sickness and in health, with my heart and soul. Until forever my love.

Ruffa called Alexa a brave "leukemia warrior" due to her "remarkable courage, incredible strength and resilience" in fighting her ailment.

"Lex, your journey's been tough (6 months and counting at St. Luke's Global City) but your bravery inspires us all."