It’s the kind of conversation friends have.
Before her best friend passed away, Laura Ruffino committed to the ultimate act of friendship.
Elizabeth Diamond was an author, an artist, and in April this year, passed away from stage 4 brain cancer, leaving her four daughters behind.
As the 40-year-old from was also a single mum, her four daughters had nowhere to live.
In a completely selfless act, Diamond’s best friend Laura Ruffino and her husband Rico made the decision to raise the girls along with their own two daughters.
Ruffino explained to 7 Eyewitness News that the decision to adopt the girls, aged from five to 12 years old, came about after a conversation with her best friend.
“She said if anything ever happens to me I want you to take my girls and I instantly said ok.
“As she started to weaken you can imagine the fears that I had for the girls and being without her.”
Ruffino, from Buffalo, New York, and her husband’s friends have now set up a fundraiser page to try and raise some much needed money now that the family has doubled in size.
The page reads:
Friends of the families are asking for support in anyway you deem you can help. The Ruffino family are receiving no financial child support to accommodate this quick expansion. The Ruffino family have always been the type of people to help others in need and now we are asking for help in their quest to provide an amazing life for the 6 daughters they now have.
Above all this family is doing EVERYTHING in their power to make the Diamond daughters feel loved and part of the family. It is the most beautiful thing we have ever seen. The marriage of both families is a true testament to humanity. The family has trouble asking for help because they have always been so self-sufficient, but it takes a village to raise a child.
Ruffino herself has admitted the change in lifestyle has not come without its challenges.
According to WKBW, she said, “Ten years ago I didn’t think this would be my life. But if something gets thrown at you, just accept the challenge and do the best you can.”
The fundraising page has already helped to ease the financial burden however, raising over $38,000 at the time this article was published.
In an update, the creators of the page wrote, “WOW! I can’t believe the generosity you have all shown! Thank you Thank you Thank you! The family is so excited and humbled at the success of this page!!! My heart is so big right now and I truly love you all!”
See the inspiring photos of the Ruffino and Diamond family.
The Ruffino family.
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