COLUMBIA, S.C. — A droid that was the constant companion of a little girl dying of a brain tumor will have a cameo in the upcoming “Star Wars” film.

Ten years ago, 7-year-old “Star Wars” fan Katie Johnson told her father she wished she had a droid to watch over her. Her father, Albin Johnson, is the founder of one of the largest “Star Wars” costume clubs and reached out to see if anyone could help them. Within weeks, a fully-functional pink droid named R2-KT showed up to their house.

“Her face lit up and she went to hug it right away,” said Johnson. R2-KT never left Katie’s side in her final days.

“For her, it was comforting to know that R2-KT was in the corner watching over her,” said Johnson.

Katie lost her battle with brain cancer but her family decided to use her beloved R2-KT to give back to other people. Over the past 10 years, the droid has visited children’s hospitals, conventions and even weddings. Action figures were also made of R2-KT, with all the proceeds going to charity.

The Johnson family got the biggest surprise last year when “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” director JJ Abrams gave them a call. Abrams said he wanted R2-KT to appear in the movie and when the film opens next week, the pink droid will be seen in the background.

“It just makes me feel so good because that’s my sister’s legacy living on,” said Katie’s sister, Allie Johnson.

Source: WHDH