Family Adopts Friend’s Four Daughters After She Dies Of Brain Cancer

Ruffino is now seeking custody of Diamond’s daughters, who are living with her. But Diamond’s ex-husband, Elyson Pagayonan, appeared in court to contest the Ruffinos’ permanent custody of his children according to Leonard Berkowitz, a lawyer for the Ruffinos. Diamond lost her battle with brain cancer leaving behind four daughters.

“She said if anything ever happens to me I want you to take my girls, and I instantly said, ‘okay, ‘” Laura Ruffino shared in a statement to Channel 7 Eyewitness nEws, echoing the words of her close friend Elizabeth Diamond.

A couple have been speaking out about the overnight doubling in size of their family after they adopted the four daughters of a tragic friend.

Rico said: ‘Ten years ago I didn’t think this would be my life. And from there, a lifelong friendship was born. Understandably, the family is adjusting emotionally and financially to this new phase in their lives.

The 40-year-old turned to Ruffino for help with her daughters, Lilyan, Ella, Samona and Tara, who are between 5 and 12 years old. “But it is. Something gets thrown at you, you just accept the challenge and do the best you can”.

ORCHARD PARK, New York (WKBW) – It began as a promise made between two friends and it ultimately brought two families together.

“It’s hard to think about because it’s still shocking because it’s a really big thing”, Ruffino said. “But to us, it’s just our life”. On her YouCaring page, Laura Ruffino pays homage to her late friend. The Ruffino’s are now remodeling two new bedrooms for the girls from their garage.

The family received donations from friends and relatives to help them cope, including a larger table and fridge, but an organisation Mrs Diamond was a board member of before her death has called for more help. They are giving their all to make the best out of an immensely challenging situation.

By Wednesday morning the fundraising page had raised $6,000 towards the $20,000 goal.

‘It is the most attractive thing we have ever seen.’.

“If you know the Ruffino family, you know their big hearts and cherish their lovely souls”.