Couple Who Adopted Best Friend’s Four Daughters Seek For Help

A couple did a lovely gesture when they adopted the four daughters of their best friend Elizabeth Diamond after she died from brain cancer.

The Mirror reports:

Laura Ruffino and her husband Rico have since spoken out about taking in the four girls, aged 5 to 12, and raising them with their own two daughters.

“When I sit back and I think about it, it’s hard to think about because it’s still shocking to me,” Laura told 7 Eyewitness News.

“This is a really big thing, but to us, it’s just our life.” Husband Rico 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.”

Elizabeth, an author and artist from Buffalo, New York, was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer in August last year.

Immediately after learning the tragic diagnosis, Elizabeth asked Laura to take care of her four daughters Lily, Ella, Simone and Tara. She passed away in April this year aged 40.

Having doubled the size of their family, the Ruffinos have set about practical steps such as a bigger kitchen table and a bigger fridge to feed four extra people. They also plan to turn their garage into two bedrooms and buy a new car that can get the family around.

Meanwhile a fundraising page has been set up to help the couple support the newly-extended family.

More than $63,000 has already been raised to support the family.

The fundraising page reads: “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.”

The page is inundated with messages from people praising the couple’s actions.

Jessica Ann wrote: “This is just the sweetest thing I ever have read in my entire life. I’m in tears while I read this. God bless you and your husband. What amazing people.”

Jennifer Baytler wrote: “I only hope for my best friends to do this for me one day of anything like this were to happen. I hope all goes well and you guys are happy n healthy!”