Kanahooka mother Gloria Nascimento could feel her late daughter Cassie watching over her as she accepted the NSW Barnardos Mother of the Year award on Monday.
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NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell presented Mrs Nascimento, 49, with the award in recognition of the care and support she gave to Cassie and other young cancer patients.
Tragically, Cassie lost her battle with brain cancer last November aged 19, and while her family is still grieving, they came together for the awards ceremony at Parliament House.
"I think she's got a hand in this," Mrs Nascimento said. "She's looking down on me and saying 'mum, go for it'.
"She would always take every opportunity to help others and I think she would be proud of me."
Young Barrack Heights man Jason Carrasco nominated Mrs Nascimento for the state award, for the care she shared when he was undergoing treatment for testicular cancer at the age of 18.
Mr Carrasco, now 20, was with Mrs Nascimento, her husband Joe and children Andrea and Christopher at Monday's ceremony.
"I'm overwhelmed with joy and excitement - I couldn't be happier for Gloria and her family," Mr Carrasco said. For Mrs Nascimento, providing support and understanding for other young patients and their families came naturally.
"Unless you've been through it you don't understand what these young people, and their families, go through," she said. "They go through so much pain every day and they still manage to smile.
"If there's someone who can support them and who can understand what they're going through, then that can make a real difference."
Barnardos Australia spokeswoman Manisha Amin said the award celebrates motherhood.
"Gloria epitomises what these awards are all about, and we are pleased to recognise her amazing gift for caring and nurturing our next generation," Ms Amin said.
Mrs Nascimento will join the rest of the state and territory winners in Sydney for the national award on May 9.