We’re sad to acknowledge that, in this day and age, most of us don’t know our neighbors. Sure, we may recognize faces, or even strike up casual conversations here and there, but, sadly, developing strong relationships with people in the community tends to end up at the bottom of many already full to-do lists.
Nonetheless, there certainly are good role models among us, and some of them even treat their neighbors like family. Take the heartwarming story of Chris Salvatore and Norma Cook, for instance. These unexpected fast friends manage to break perceptions all while taking care of one another. Here’s their amazing journey.
Salvatore is a hunky 31-year-old Hollywood actor who just looks the part. But, interestingly enough, he doesn’t spend his days gallivanting around Muscle Beach showing off his biceps; instead, the thespian chooses to live a life of caregiving and service, alongside his 89-year-old neighbor Norma.
The two first crossed paths years ago when they met as neighbors in a West Hollywood apartment building. Since then, the unlikely pair have become the best of friends, with Norma even going so far as to calling him the “grandson I never had.” How sweet is that?
Now, you may be asking yourself: What on earth do these two have in common? Well, according to Norma, they always watch the news together, but mostly they “talk and drink Champagne and eat peanuts.” Sounds fun to us!
All was well and good with the buds until last fall when Norma’s health ended up taking a turn for the worst. The octogenarian has leukemia, as well as a whole other host of problems that require constant medication. She ended up in the hospital, and there one doctor told Salavatore the bad news: she wasn’t expected to live past the holidays.
On the unorthodox living situation, Salvatore explains to TODAY, “She does not want to budge. My apartment was the only place she would have moved. She has strong opinions about where she wants to carry out the rest of her days, and she wants to stay here.”
Since the big move, Norma has exceeded all expectations of the doctors and, according to Salvatore, is “thriving.”
Of course, not every happening in their tale has gone so smoothly. Because she is at such an advanced age, after Norma’s last hospitalization, she had blown through much of her social security. With the 89-year-old being in need of expensive round-the-clock care, Salvatore came up with a plan.
He started a very successful Go Fund Me campaign to cover her medical costs and, as of February, the page has raised a whopping $76,476. How wonderful is it that Norma will be able to live out her final days on her own terms? If only we all had a Chris Salvatores by our sides!
To see these Champagne and peanut enthusiasts in action for yourself, be sure to click on TODAY’s video below. You’ll also see that these two just SLAY the selfie game! We dare you to find anything cuter.
What do you think of Salvatore’s good deed? Are you close with your neighbors? Have you ever provided care for an elderly friend? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!