When 31-year-old Chris Salvatore moved into a new apartment back in 2013, the first person he made friends with were 85-year-old Norma Cook and her cat Hermes. It all started with a hello, and once Chris introduced himself, they became really close. Chris would always help his elderly neighbor with her errands and was there for her whenever she needed any sort of help.
As she turned 89, Norma’s health started to decline and she ended up at the hospital. The only way for her to be able to get back home was to have around the clock assistance. However, as she had no one to take care of her, chances of returning back home were slim.
When Chris learned what was going on, he decided to step in. He was the only person Norma could rely on and he didn’t want to fail her. So, Chris started a GoFundMe and was able to raise $25,000 in just seven hours. A month later, the campaign helped raise $50,000, but as the 24-hour healthcare costs a lot of money, Chris knew he needed to find a long-term solution.
“The only other option was for her to go into a facility,” he told TODAY. “I just couldn’t do that to someone who is like my own grandmother.”
So, Chris invited Norma to move in with him. “I’m so happy I was able to give her this gift of living her last days at home,” Chris said. “I can’t imagine what it’s like to go through the end of your life at a hospital without your friends or pets.”
Unfortunately, Norma died in February 2017, but she spent the final days of her life knowing she was loved and cared for.
Chris shared the sad news with his followers on his Instagram where he would post photos and videos of him and his “granny” having fun by watching the news, talking, and eating peanuts.
“She called me the grandson she never had,” Chris said of Norma.
What a loving and thoughtful young man. May God bless you for everything you did for your neighbor.
