Family wish for a fairytale

Just one short month ago, Jeanine Couchman's son Dominic (3) was playing with his cousin, Latoiya O'Brien (6).

"It was a normal day, the kids were all running around and having lots of fun."

Jeanine says, as she talks about the last time she saw the bright and bubbly six-year-old from New Plymouth.

Just a few days after the cousins played together, Latoiya was rushed to Starship hospital where she has been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor.

We don't know how long she has, but we do know that her life will be much shorter than it should be so we are trying to make as many memories as possible.

Jeanine says the family are planning a very special princess themed birthday party for Latoiya with the help of the Make a Wish Foundation, and plan to celebrate the special occasion earlier than her actual December birthday to ensure she is able to enjoy the magic of the day.

"She is a typical six-year-old girl, loves princesses, the whole Frozen movie, that sort of stuff."

Latoiya's grandmother, Debbie Hotene, has given up her job to spend all her time with the grandaughter she has raised since birth.

Aware of the huge financial cost this decision comes with, along with a desire to ensure Latoiya can enjoy as many experiences as possible in the time she has, the family have created a fundraising page and say they are incredibly thankful for each and every donation made.

"It pays for things like an outing when Latoiya feels strong enough, but also for the basics such as paying bills and making sure Latoiya has all she needs."

Jeanine says the staff at her son's childcare centre, Rainbow Stratford, have organised a large raffle to raise funds for the family as well.

"It is lovely of them, they have three big gift baskets, the contents of which have been donated by staff and parents, there is everything from wine and beauty vouchers to chocolate in there."

While Latoiya's family don't know exactly what the future holds in terms of time left her, they are all looking forward to spending lots of time with her building lifetime memories as she comes back to her New Plymouth home this week after finishing her radiation treatment in Auckland.

Raffle tickets are being sold for $2 each at Rainbow Stratford on Miranda Street and at Sgt Peppers in Prospero Place where Jeanine works. The winners will be drawn on July 17. To follow Latoiya's journey visit their givealittle page