Support campaign for US woman who adopted best friend’s four daughters explodes online

The world has dug into its collective pockets for a US woman after she and her husband selflessly adopted her best friend's four daughters following her death.

Laura Ruffino's long-time friend Elizabeth Diamond died of brain cancer in April and Mrs Ruffino promised before she died to adopt her daughters Lilyan, Ella, Samona and Tara.

The four girls, aged between five and 12, joined the two daughters of Mrs Ruffino and her husband Rico.

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.

The Buffalo Wellness Centre has set up a YouCaring page to ask for donations for the family.

"The marriage of both families is a true testament to humanity," the page reads.

"The family has trouble asking for help because they have always been so self-sufficient, but it takes a village to raise a child."

The page has raised more than US$32,000 ($43,445) of a US$100,000 ($135,766) goal, with 88 days to go.

Mrs Ruffino said the family had been "truly touched and humbled" by the support from across the world.

"We have read every single word of hope and encouragement and we are in awe," she said.