Norma Cook, a woman who was 84 years old and lived in West Hollywood, was a prime example of how common it is for elderly individuals to be overcome by feelings of isolation. When Chris Salvatore, then 26 years old, moved in next door, she had no idea that they would eventually become the closest of friends. Their first encounter would pave the way for a friendship that would last for the next five years, culminating in Salvatore extending an invitation to her to spend her final days with him. Everything began when she caught a glimpse of him via the window of her kitchen. They greeted one another before he requested if he might come in and introduce himself and say hello. According to My Modern Met, she warmly welcomed him, which kicked off a friendship that has lasted for the past five years.
Cook was a recluse who shared her home with her cat, Hermes, who quickly became fond to Salvatore. Salvatore and Cook spent a lot of time together, bonding over their shared love of champagne and chitchat. Nights spent eating pizza together, outings to restaurants, and attendance at birthday parties are among their most cherished memories. Salvatore represented, in Cook’s eyes, “the grandson she never had,” which is an oxymoron. Cook became ill when he was 89 years old. Her life took a turn for the worse while she was living by herself and it was getting worse. At the tail end of 2016, she was diagnosed with pneumonia and suffered from breathing complications that led to her hospitalization. In addition to that, a diagnosis of leukemia was made. She had no money, and the social security check she received was barely enough to cover the rent. She was confronted with the possibility of evicting both her and her cat from their house.
The medical staff came to the conclusion that it was not prudent for her to live on her own, therefore they decided that she must be placed in a facility where she will spend the remainder of her life. She could not rely on any family members or friends that she was related to. Salvatore just couldn’t let it happen. At the moment, Salvatore stated to the woman, “I just couldn’t do that to someone who is like my own grandma,” and he made the offer for her to come in with him. “There was no other place she would have relocated to besides my flat. “She has firm convictions regarding the location in which she wishes to spend the remainder of her days, and she has expressed a desire to remain in this house,” recalled Salvatore. “Bringing her in…it almost seems as though it was always meant to be this way.” Being there for her is something that brings a lot of satisfaction. It wasn’t just about providing a home and critical care for Cook. Even though the costs of the same were significantly higher than what Salvatore could afford, he continued to work hard to find a way.
To be of assistance to her, he started a GoFundMe campaign. Within seven hours, “Help Norma Pay for 24-hour Home Care” raised over $25,000. The campaign was successful in raising more than $50,000 in less than a month. Chris expressed his gratitude by saying, “I’m so happy I was able to give her the gift of living her last days at home.” “I can’t even begin to fathom what it must be like to spend the last days of your life in a hospital away from your family, friends, and even your pets.” I had no idea that I would be able to raise $50 000. It was undeniably a miracle that it happened.” Overall, the campaign was successful in garnering more than $75,000 in donations.