New York Couple Adopts Dying Friend’s 4 Daughters

A promise between two women is defining the meaning of true friendship.

When Elizabeth Diamond, a single mom from Buffalo, New York, was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer in August 2014, she went straight to her best friend, Laura Ruffino, with an important question.

“She said, ‘If anything ever happens to me, I want you to take my girls,’ and I instantly said, ‘Okay,’ ” Laura told 7 Eyewitness News.

In April 2015, Diamond lost her battle with brain cancer – and her friend made good on her promise.

Laura and her husband, Rico Ruffino, welcomed Lily, Ella, Samona and Tara – ages five to 12 – into their home with open arms.

“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 news outlet about the couple’s new family.

A fundraising page has been created to help the family with expenses.

This article originally appeared on People.com