Woman keeps promise, adopts 4 kids after childhood friend dies of cancer
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- When 40-year-old Elizabeth Diamond was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer last year, she turned to her childhood best friend.
The divorced, single mom asked Laura Ruffino to promise that she and her husband would care for Diamond's four daughters when Diamond couldn't. When Diamond died in April, the Ruffino family doubled in size. The family of four became a family of eight almost overnight.
"She said if anything ever happens to me I want you to take my girls and I instantly said ok," Ruffino told WKBW-TV.
It wouldn't have been possible with out the support of Ruffino's husband, Rico.
"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," Rico told the station.
The couple says Lily, Ella, Samona and Tara, ages 5 to 12, keep them busy. But it can be expensive, too. The couple is accepting donations online to help their family.