It is the worry of almost every parent. If something were to happen to me, who will take care of my children?

There may be grandparents, aunts and uncles, but sometimes there are best friends who are up and willing for the challenge.

Unfortunately, in addition to dealing with a stage four brain cancer diagnosis in August 2014, Elizabeth Diamond had to worry about the care of her four daughters.

IMAGE SOURCE: BOREDPANDA

Luckily, Elizabeth had her best friend, Laura Ruffino, since fifth grade to lean on. Elizabeth asked Laura to take care of her girls in the unfortunate event that she loses her battle with cancer, and Laura quickly agreed. Less than a year later, Laura carried out her promise to her best friend.

IMAGE SOURCE: BOREDPANDA

Laura lives with her husband, Rico, and two daughters in Orchard Park, New York,. When her dear friend passed away in April, her family size doubled.

IMAGE SOURCE: BOREDPANDA

Laura’s worry for the girls began when she saw her friend’s condition worsen. Although she knew, the girls would be taken care of, imagine the psychological effect of losing a mother at a young age.

Laura 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.”

The local community has banded together to help Laura and her family of eight. A YouCaring campaign has successfully raised $80,000 to help out the Diamond-Ruffino family.

IMAGE SOURCE: BOREDPANDA

Doubling the size of a family nearly overnight isn’t short of any challenges. Many aspects of the family’s life needed upgrading. The table needed to be replaced to accommodate four extra chairs, and the family needed a bigger fridge. Luckily, the community has been donating some much-needed items.

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