WHEN a mother looks down at her newborn child, she never imagines that in just nine short years a vicious disease could threaten to take that child away forever.
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Twelve years ago, Louisa Raso refused to believe doctors when they told her that her precious daughter Sophia could die.
But Mrs Raso threw everything she had into saving her daughter and last week, Sophia was by her side to receive Griffith's first ever Mother of the Year award.
Mrs Raso was speechless when she was named the city's top mum at a special ceremony at Griffith City Library on Thursday night, but few could argue she was more than worthy.
When Sophia was just nine years old, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and Mrs Raso was told the devastating news that conventional treatments could not save her.
But 12 years later, the now-21-year-old is happy and healthy after alternative radiowave therapy - and a lot of love and support from mum - saved her life.
Fighting back tears as she stood to receive her award, the mother of three and grandmother of one was shocked to be named Griffith's top mum but said she lives for her kids.
"I have to thank my daughter Sophia, she's suffered so much and I stood by her through all of her treatment and recovery," Mrs Raso said.
"And now I'm getting older she's standing by me and helping me."
Sophia was glad to be able to give back just some of the love and care that her mother has showered upon her over the years.
"She's my mum, she's loving, caring and always there for us," Sophia said.
"I know that she'd go to the end of the earth for us."
Sophia's sister Isabella agreed, saying her mum definitely deserved to win.
"Mum's very supportive," Isabella said.
"Whatever decisions I make I know she'll be there for me."
Lifesource Church pastor Rodney Bortolin who co-ordinated Griffith's inaugural Mother of the Year competition said the city's response to the competition had been impressive.
He is now planning for the first ever Father of the Year competition to coincide with Father's Day.
"It has been a lot of work but it was well worth it," Pastor Bortolin said.
"Every person should stop for a moment and think of their mother and what she has done for them."
Choosing Griffith's top mother was no easy feat and while there could only be one winner, finalists Marlene Butler, Michelle Smith and Ilva Andrighetto, and runners-up Irene Bortolazzo and Rosalin Verdanega were given special congratulations.
