Effie Haralabakos was more than a mother of three kids and a wife. She was more than a working citizen. She was and still is an inspiration to all that knew her. She was one of the most unselfish of people, and willing to go above and beyond herself to help others that were in need. Her nature was to give love in any way possible to others, and by cause and effect she found herself rewarded by the nature of her accomplishments. Through simple acts such as buying a turkey for a family who could not afford a Christmas dinner or donating to an organization for a good cause, Effie Haralabakos was always giving something back to the community. She was a source of strength even in the most difficult moments for those who needed help.

Effie Haralabakos was born in Militsa, Greece in 1949. She was struck by adversity from the early age of thirteen when her mother passed away from a long term illness. At the age of nineteen she moved to Montreal, Canada where she later met her husband and moved to New York City. After having her first two of three children, her brother became severely ill at the age of 26. Along with her family she worked very hard at utilizing every resource possible to offer new hope to her brother. The medical community regularly informed Effie that her brother would not live long but she would not be discouraged. Effie Haralabakos never stopped hoping, and that hope offered her brother strength. Twenty-two years later her brother passed away. He had lived far longer than any doctor had ever predicted.

Effie later on moved to Calgary, Alberta Canada where she lived for twenty years. In August of 2003 she was diagnosed with an Astorcytoma in the frontal lobe of the brain. Her first words were “I’m going to beat this and I’ll be just fine.” She did! She recovered amazingly from brain surgery. Although she went through a difficult session of radiation therapy, she remained strong and determined. Her radiation treatments were followed by a one year long chemotherapy treatment. The doctors at the Cancer Centre told her that by the end of her treatment she would lack energy and not be able to do the things she did before. Effie Haralabakos said “no way!” She took control of her life and its quality. She started traveling well into the six month point of her treatments. Not only did she beat the astrocytoma but she made certain that she upheld an outstanding quality of life.

Almost two and a half years after the first diagnosis Effie Haralabakos was diagnosed by a lethal brain cancer called Glioma. As a result, despite all great efforts Effie Haralabakos was no longer able to beat the Cancer. On May 21, 2006 she passed away. The cancer may have claimed her life, but not her legacy. Her fight was one of a great warrior and her story remains an inspiration. She never lost sight of hope, even in the end. Her ability to hold onto hope inspires so many others to do the same. Her family created the Effie’s Foundation of Wellness to offer the community the same strength and hope she had in her own life.