Water-baby Te Ara Kingi will be splashing about in her own spa pool if her Make-A-Wish comes true.
And she will be thanking her new pal, Sam, who will be running the Rotorua marathon tomorrow to raise money for her wish.
The Napier four-year-old is in remission from acute myelogenous leukemia and
loves to swim.
But she can no longer take a dip in public pools because of the risk of infection.
So when Make-A-Wish asked her for three wishes, the pre-schooler knew what she wanted.
Her Mum, Shar, said Te Ara asked for a swimming pool, then buy a trampoline or a trip to the aquatic centre.
"She really wanted a pool - and a warm one," Shar said.
"That was the first thing she said and we went from there. She never changed her mind, she just loves the water."
Shar said the wish would come true through the kind heart of an Aucklander.
Sam Lotu-liga contacted Make-A-Wish and wanted to raise money for the cause by running the Rotorua marathon.
He picked Te Ara's wish and met the family in Starship Hospital.
Shar said the family would be cheering on Mr Lotu-Liga.
"Te Ara has a little pendant she's going to present to him when he's finished, it's going to be pretty special. Good things keep happening, it's really overwhelming."
Mr Lotu-Liga said two years ago a friend's daughter had her dream of a princess bedroom come true through Make-A-Wish.
"They were the same age with the same condition, and having her bedroom done up like a little princess was just huge for her."
Mr Lotu-Liga hoped to raise about $4000 for the spa pool and was seeking sponsors or donations.
He said running the marathon was a challenge but raising money for Te Ara was "extra motivation" to cross the finish line.
Anyone who wants to sponsor Sam Lotu-liga can contact him on 021 492 994 or e-mail sam@lotu-liga.com or Make-A-Wish (09) 373 4256.
