Pride of Australia Medal 2015: Dutiful daughter Stephanie Pinilla honoured for becoming full-time carer for MS mum at age 11

AT an age when most of her 11-year-old peers would have been playing with their friends, dancing after school and watching cartoons, southern NSW youngster Stephanie Pinilla was forced to put childhood on hold to care for her MS-suffering mum.

AT an age when most of her 11-year-old peers would have been playing with their friends after school and watching cartoons, Illawarra youngster Stephanie Pinilla was forced to put childhood on hold to care for her MS-stricken mum.

Jackie Hamilton was first diagnosed with the debilitating inflammatory disease over 18 years ago while pregnant with Stephanie.

But after her son Jarod’s birth five years later, Ms Hamilton’s condition deteriorated — so much so that by the time Stephanie turned 11, she had taken on the role of full-time carer.

Now 18, Stephanie’s selfless dedication to her family’s needs has earned her a well-deserved Child of Courage nomination in this year’s Pride of Australia Awards.

Jackie with her daughter Stephanie

The News Corp initiative, proudly supported by ClubsNSW, recognises ordinary people doing extraordinary things — people such as Stephanie.

“Because I’ve grown up with it I find it quite normal caring for her,” Ms Pinilla told The Daily Telegraph.

“By the time I was at the end of primary school she had started to decline and had to use a walking frame at home and walking sticks out of the house, and then in 2009 she had an attack that put her in a wheelchair.

“I was about 11 and her husband left and I took up full-time responsibilities.

“I cook, clean, help do her toileting, showering and help look after my younger brother. It was pretty hard but I did it — it’s just normal.”

NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR A PRIDE OF AUSTRALIA MEDAL

She said the family now gets 30 hours of help a week with carers coming when Ms Pinilla is at university, where the passionate musician is studying for a bachelor of creative arts.

Ms Pinilla was nominated for the Pride of Australia award by ClubsNSW, and last year was one of 10 outstanding category winners at the 15th Annual Illawarra Youth Achievement Awards.

“Stephanie has been her full-time carer since she was 11, and also looks after her younger brother Jarod — she runs the household, does all the cooking, cleaning, shopping and manages all the household finances,” a ClubsNSW spokesman said.

“Under government financial assistance rules, Stephanie is only allowed 25 hours a week away from her role as carer, and so she spends this time at school.

“Despite this, Stephanie is excelling in her studies.”

Nominations for the medal close on Sunday, July 19, at prideofaustralia.com.au