Maria Anna Arvanitis, 2 years, of Harrah, Oklahoma passed away on September 20,2008 after a long, hard fought battle with leukemia.

She was born 7 weeks prematurely on July 29, 2006 in Oklahoma City to Peter and Patricia Arvanitis. At 6 months of age, Maria was diagnosed with Acute Lympathic Leukemia. She received numerous of chemotherapy, surgeries, and medication. She went into remission and relapsed in less than 2 months on April 15, 2008. She then under went more chemotherapy and had to have radiation to prepare her body for a bone marrow transplant. On June 18, 2008 she underwent a bone marrow transplant at Children's Hospital. She sailed through the transplant with no compilations.

 Then on Sept. 10, 2008, the leukemia came hack with a vengeance. She fought hard until the end. She took her last breath in her mother's arms surrounded by family and friends at 4.19a.m. She was a little fighter" and always will be remembered for that. She has touched so many lives. She loved to play with her cousins, put curlers in her Nana's hair, wear jewelry, watch Barney and Elmo videos, and always had a smile on her face. She was named "Girl of the Year" by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in April 2008. Maria was loved by so many. If you ever met Maria, you can guarantee she was going to leave a mark on your heart. She was so full of life. She will be truly missed.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Zenophon Arvanitis, Montreal, Canada.

Maria is survived by her parents, Peter and Patricia Arvanitis, Harrah, OK, Grandparents, Leon and Annie Halbrooks. Harrah, OK, Maria Arvanitis. Montreal. Canada; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her parents wish to thank their friends and family for all of the support.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6pm-8pm at Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee. Funeral services will be 2pm Thursday at Raley Chapel at Oklahoma Baptist University with burial to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

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