Do you know your neighbor well? Are you familiar with them enough to invite them to your house? Why not offer to have them move in with you?
In 2013, Norma Cook, an 85-year-old woman, and Hermes, her cat, moved into the apartment across the hall. Although they usually greeted one another, the two quickly grew close after Salvatore introduced himself.
They became so close friends that Salvatore, a 31-year-old actor, requested Norma to move in when she was at the end of her life and needed ongoing care.
When Norma turned 89, her health started to deteriorate quickly. After a stint in the hospital, Salvatore discovered that Cook wouldn’t be let go home without ongoing care. She was at a loss because she had no kids or family nearby.
Salvatore created a GoFundMe page for Cook online. The two best friends evaluated a few caregivers before the 31-year-old realized he would need to take additional action. He told TODAY that entering a facility was her only alternative option.
“I couldn’t treat someone similar to my grandmother that way.”
Cook was welcomed to relocate to his residence.
Salvatore said on GoFundMe, “I’m so delighted I was able to give her this gift of living her last days at home.”
“I can’t imagine what it must be like to experience your final days in a hospital alone, without your friends or pets.”
The two ended up being great housemates. Cook stated TODAY that “We always monitor the news.”
“We mainly converse, sip Champagne, and munch on peanuts.” Cook sadly died on February 15, 2017. Salvatore broke the sad news on Instagram, where he frequently posted about the pair’s travels.
Salvatore said of Cook, “She called me the grandson she never had.” Cook didn’t need Salvatore’s assistance in any way, but he couldn’t bear to see her spend her last days alone in a hospital.
Do you know?
Best friends Norma Cook, 89, and Chris Salvatore, 31, become inseparable as Norma spends her final days. The dynamic couple has a four-year history of friendship and is neighbors in West Hollywood, California.
Salvatore volunteered to be Cook’s primary caregiver when her doctors determined she needed round-the-clock at-home care this year.
“She’s my best friend, and I love her.”
Salvatore, an actor and singer, said to PEOPLE, “I would sacrifice anything for her. I think kindness in people is a magical thing that can heal things that physicians can’t,”
With only a few months to live after being diagnosed with leukemia, Cook Salvatore is determined to make her feel “so loved” every day.
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