Indie, 3, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour earlier this year.
She survived major surgery to remove 95% of the tumour and was now undergoing her fifth round of intense chemotherapy at Christchurch Hospital.
Shaun and Haylee Todd were told their daughter had a slim chance of surviving the surgery, and that if she did, it was likely she would "most certainly" suffer neurological deficits as a result of the operation.
"The toddler had a stem cell transplant, and six weeks ago, after cycle three of pretty nasty chemotherapy the doctors informed us there had been a reduction in cancer and the MRI scans were really positive."
The neurosurgeon said Indie was the "perfect candidate" for the high-cost proton therapy, a form of radiation therapy that targets tumours while minimising damage to healthy tissue.
She was a "miracle" for surviving, unimpaired as the rare tumour had occupied 40% of her head.
Her parents, as well as her grandparents, Ainslie and Malcolm Peck, have been there every step of the way.
Mr Todd, who was born and raised in Oamaru, said having to witness the ordeal Indie had endured was the "hardest thing" any parent could do.
"Imagine your kid having the worst tummy bug they’ve ever had, along with a sniffly nose, diarrhoea, tummy cramps and sitting with them waiting for the worst thing ever to happen to them.
"It’s constant and it’s brutal and it sucks — no-one should have to go through it.
The medical support Indie had received from Starship Hospital in Auckland and Christchurch Hospital had been "exceptional", Mr Todd said.
Indie was "very protective" of her 3-month-old baby brother Hudson and loves playing with him, Mr Todd said.
"She was trying to teach him how to roll over recently, even with what she is facing and the pain she’s got, she’s still giving her energy as well," he said.
While the Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) funding would likely cover Indie’s treatment, accommodation and one support person, Mr Todd said they face the "daunting" task of working out how to bring the entire family to Atlanta, Georgia for 10-12 weeks.
"It’s a bit of a logistical nightmare, the funding will be great and it will help us with a lot of it ... we’re just doing everything we can not to have to sell our house."
The support they had received so far had been "overwhelming", he said.
Indie’s uncle and aunty, Blair and Caitlin Todd, as well as family friend Brianna Graham have organised a "Row for Indie" fundraiser at the Oamaru Rowing Club on November 1.
Mr Todd said the work his family and friends were doing to fundraise for their trip was awesome.
"No matter how much money they raise or whatever they do, we’ll be forever grateful to them."
• To contribute, visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/supporting-indie-and-the-todd-family
