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Best Friend Steps Up And Adopts Four Children When Mom Dies Of Cancer « back

July 25th, 2015

Friends Laura Ruffino and Elizabeth Diamond

This story was also featured on the Make A Difference Spotlight podcast - episode #019!

There's an unwritten code that best friends should always be there for each other no matter what. And when that bond was put to the test for these two lifelong friends, a new page was added to that code.

When a New York mother from Orchard Park named Elizabeth Diamond was diagnosed with stage-four brain cancer last year, her biggest concern was her four children and what would happen to them if she died. With an absent father figure and virtually no other family members to turn to, it was almost inevitable that her kids would be taken into care by a local adoption agency.

But Diamond's best friend since 5th grade refused to let that happen.

When news stuck of Diamond's prognosis last August, she looked to her longtime friend Laura Ruffino for help.

"If anything ever happens to me I want you to take my girls," said Diamond. So Ruffino made a promise: if that day were to come, she would gladly adopt the girls.

"As she started to weaken you can imagine the fears that I had for the girls and being without her," explains Ruffino in an interview.

Eight months later, Diamond's cancer got the best of her and she passed away. Stepping up the plate, Ruffino stayed true to her word and welcomed the four children into her home.

"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," said Ruffino's husband.

The Ruffino's already had two daughters of their own. And practically overnight, their family has now doubled in size. They have done everything they can to make the girls feel welcome. But with eight mouths to feed, they are already feeling the financial struggles.

Their local community has come together in an effort to help them adjust by setting up a YouCaring campaign. If you would like to make a donation to help the Ruffino family, click here to go the campaign page, which has already raised more than $90,000.

AmericasFootprints.com is honored to share such a great story of compassion. The Ruffino family has certainly raised the bar in friendship test, and has given others in a similar situation something new to think about. We wish them all the best for a bright future ahead.

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