KEY POINTS:
A soothing cup of piping hot tea became a family's worst nightmare when it spilt over 1-year-old girl Samantha Maxwell.
But the nightmare is likely to end well, thanks to the prompt medical attention Samantha received by using Starship's air retrieval service.
Today is the start of the Starship Foundation's annual appeal, with the money raised earmarked for the air service's continued operation.
Living in Katikati, Samantha was in desperate need of hospital treatment, and despite being initially sent to Tauranga Hospital, was quickly transferred to the better equipped burns unit at Waikato Hospital.
The air service's existence meant Samantha was transferred quickly and safely, but complications developed and Samantha needed further transport to Middlemore Hospital.
Again the Starship air retrieval service was there to help.
"I'm just so grateful," Samantha's mother Delphine Maxwell told the Herald from her daughter's bedside in Starship children's hospital, where she is now recovering.
When the accident happened, the family didn't know what to expect, or where Samantha would need to go to get the best treatment, she said.
When she realised how important it was for her daughter to be at a hospital a long distance away, she immediately saw the importance of the air service.
"As a mum I'm just glad that she's been given the care she needs, and I'm so grateful for it all."
International rugby star Tony Marsh, who rose from Counties Manukau, Blues and Crusaders ranks before representing France 21 times as a centre from 2001 to 2004, visited the family at Starship last week.
Seeing Samantha reminded him of his own hospital experiences, and he would do all he could to help this year's appeal become a success, he said.
Having survived testicular cancer in 2003, Marsh, who fronts cancer appeals in France, said the children he shared wards with while he was in hospital inspired him with their bravery and courage.
Despite a targeted total of $500,000 from today's appeal, the specific item the foundation needs most is a new travel incubator and ventilator for babies younger than 6 months old, valued at $150,000.
Marsh hoped people would join him and twin brother Glen, also a product of Counties Manukau rugby now playing in Japan, in supporting the appeal.
"I think it's pretty simple really. It's just such a good cause. It's helping people. It's making the job here [at Starship] so much easier. And it's also saving lives," said Marsh.
"And there's no cost you can put on saving a kid's life."
