Chris Salvatore Convinces 89 Year Old Norma Cook to Make Life Change

UPDATE (2/16) — Sad news for Chris Salvatore. A few months after taking in his 89-year-old neighbor Norma Cook to live with him after a health scare, the actor revealed she has passed away.

Salvatore, who saw Cook like his own grandmother, announced her death in a heartbreaking Instagram post detailing her legacy–and what she taught him about love.

View this post on Instagram

It's with a heavy heart that I share the news that earlier this morning the world lost a truly inspiring, beautiful woman. Norma is now resting peacefully in the eternal and while she may no longer physically be with us, her spirit will continue to fill the hearts of so many people. Perhaps Norma's lasting legacy is that her story helped the world to see the true meaning of love. Norma reminded me that we all are created to love and all desire to be loved. This year Norma has reminded us what Valentine's Day is all about. To love another is not about living struggle free or never experiencing hurt or loss, but to fully and deeply open our hearts to one another without fear. Each of us is lovable even with all of our differences. Love has no boundaries. May you rest in peace my sweet sweet lady, Norma. ❤️

A post shared by Chris Salvatore (@chrissalvatore) on Feb 15, 2017 at 2:00pm PST

We’re keeping Salvatore in our thoughts and prayers during this tough time.

(1/25) When actor Chris Salvatore met his 89-year-old neighbor Norma Cook years ago, he had no idea how both of their lives were going to change. The 31-year-old star learned that the sweet elderly lady, who has leukemia, was becoming seriously ill near the end of 2016.

Cook was in the hospital for two months fighting both pneumonia and breathing problems. And doctors were convinced she would not make it through the holidays.

But not if Salvatore had anything to say about it.

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After Cook’s hospital visit, medical professionals told her she could not return to her home unless she had 24-hour care, which was not covered by her insurance. So Salvatore immediately set up a GoFundMe page to find a caretaker. But savings dwindled as they tested those caretakers out.

So Salvatore asked Cook to move in with him instead.

“The only other option was for her to go into a facility,” Salvatore said. “I just couldn’t do that to someone who is like my own grandmother.”

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Now, Salvatore takes care of her day-to-day needs. He cooks for her and even serves her champagne–her favorite drink.

“The nurses and doctors told her that it would be a miracle if she lived past the holidays, so the fact that she’s still thriving is just a really great thing,” Salvatore said. “She’s doing great. If you could see her right now, she looks so cute on the couch with her feet propped up. She just hangs out on my couch and watches TV.”

Sweet as can be!

via TODAY.com

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