Beth and Stephanie had been friends since they worked together as teenagers.
But when Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer, Stephanie became a critical part of Beth’s life and the lives of her six children.
Beth was diagnosed with cancer during her last pregnancy and after going through an emergency C-section and chemotherapy, the father of her children left.
So when Beth’s cancer progressed, Stephanie knew she had to step in and help. Stephanie moved Beth’s six children into her house with her husband and their three children.
"We grew very, very close during that time, and Beth's children became best friends with mine," Stephanie told People magazine.
"She said to me, 'If a miracle doesn't happen and I don't make it, can you take my children as your own? And I immediately said yes."
Beth died at just 39-years-old shortly after Stephanie had promised to care for her children.
"We became a family while Beth was still alive, and we love them like our own, so it made sense for me to take the kids in when she died.”
Even with nine children under one roof, that has not deterred Stephanie from keeping her promise and she has even filed adoption paperwork to make it official.
Stephanie and Donnie now work to ensure that Beth’s children are cared for and are adjusting to their new reality.
"I don't sweat the small stuff anymore.
"Snotty noses, disastrous house, laundry as tall as the ceiling? Beth would give anything for that right now, and I have that."
