The national campaign, which was launched at the children's ward at Whangarei Hospital, has been running for seven years and raised millions of dollars.
Every Countdown store in the country is involved, with all donations going to 10 hospitals around the country.
Countdown manager Snow Tane champions the campaign and says fundraising is important to supporting children like Katie.
"What she's been through and what she's going through, to us she's an example of why we're there. We're there to provide the money so that they can get the services and equipment needed for children like Katie."
Last year the campaign raised $1.2 million nationally with $87,000 coming from Northland donations.
As a result, 280 pieces of medical equipment were provided to hospitals across the country. Whangarei Hospital has received more than $282,864 for its maternal and children's ward over the last five years thanks to the appeal.
As the face of the campaign, Katie embraces her role, smiling for the cameras, cutting the cake and meeting the dignitaries, unaware how inspirational she is.
She even admits being on the nationwide posters has made her friends are a little jealous. Katie's mother, Lisa Reed, says she's proud to see her daughter take on the role with such confidence.
"She tells me 'I can do anything I want to do in my life, I don't need to let my lung disease stop me from doing this'."
Katie was diagnosed with bronchiectasis (permanent enlargement of the airways of the lung) two years ago, following seven bouts of pneumonia in 15 months. When she's not in hospital, Katie learns guitar to go with her dream of singing on stage when she's older.
*To donate: donate at a Countdown checkout, buy a Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal wristband or raffle ticket instore or online at www.shop.countdown.co.nz.
