Laura Ruffino adopts BFF, Elizabeth Diamond’s four girls after cancer tragedy

Growing family ... Laura and Rico Ruffino and five of their six daughters. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

A MUM-OF-TWO has adopted the four daughters of her best friend who died months after a cancer diagnosis. Now she is reaching out for help.

Laura Ruffino says when Elizabeth Diamond asked her to adopt her daughters if anything happened to her, Ms Ruffino didn’t hesitate.

“She said if anything ever happens to me I want you to take my girls and I instantly said okay,” she told The Stir.

Close ... Laura and Rico Ruffino and their two daughters. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Ms Ruffino and known Diamond since grade 5 at school and was stunned when her best friend was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer in August last year. Diamond, a single mother, died in April and since then Ms Riffino and her husband, Rico, have taken in the Diamond daughters, Lilly, Ella, Samona and Tara, aged between five and 12.

The Ruffinos already have two daughters of their own.

Made plans ... Elizabeth Diamond asked Laura Ruffino to take her four daughters in if anything happened to her. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

They have started receiving donations to help in taking care of the girls. One person donated a larger dining table, while another family donated a larger fridge.

The Buffalo Wellness Centre, which Diamond was a board member of before she died, has also set up a YouCaring.com page to raise money for the family.

“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 six daughters they now have,” the website says. “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 page has already raised $6000 with a target of $20,000 in sight.

Strong girls ... The Diamond girls are adjusting to their new home after the death of their mother. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

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