The story, in the paper's Fighting Poverty campaign, sparked a flood of donations from the local community.
The family was also preparing for a trip to Auckland so then 4-year-old Sienna could have chemotherapy treatment at Starship hospital for stage three Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.
Now, a turbulent six months later, the relieved parents have revealed Sienna is cancer-free. Her hair is growing back, and the family is finally taking a breath.
"Having a child diagnosed with cancer changes the way you think about everything. We're just picking up the pieces now. We know that we'll be all right," Mrs Malaitai said.
It has been a big year for the Malaitai family.
An "unforgettable party" was thrown for Sienna with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation on her 5th birthday in October, when the outlook was uncertain and the family was taking things day by day. "That's what got her through; she always looked forward to her birthday."
About 300 people, including extended family from overseas, turned out at Haumoana's Matahiwi marae. The theme, chosen by Sienna, was "princess at a carnival".
"There were bumper cars, a bouncy castle, candy floss - we'll never forget it."
The family was also featured, albeit reluctantly, in this year's Flaxmere Heroes calendar. "It was hard for us to accept it, but we've learned to be proud of our accomplishments. We're an ordinary family that showed you can get through difficult times."
There will be new challenges next year as Sienna returns to school and Mrs Malaitai tries to get a new child cancer initiative, inspired by Sienna's experience with the disease, under way.
But for now, the family will spend the rest of the holiday season enjoying one another's company.
The family hoped to donate gifts to charity and the local hospital as a gesture of thanks.
