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An Actor Took In His 89-Year-Old Neighbor When She Got Leukemia

31-year-old Chris Salvatore formed a bond with his elderly neighbor, Norma Cook, more than five years ago when they first began chatting through their kitchen windows. Now, he's taken his surrogate grandma into his home to provide her with 24-hour care. Find out more about this unlikely duo here!

Amy Sharpe
Created by Amy Sharpe
On Jan 25, 2017
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Five years ago, Chris Salvatore moved into an apartment next to Norma Cook, an elderly woman who had lived there with her cat, Hermes, for nearly thirty years. Shortly after they began talking, Salvatore walked over to meet Norma, and they struck up a beautiful friendship, based on watching TV while drinking champagne and eating peanuts.

Salvatore and Cook on New Years

So, when Cook became ill with leukemia, Salvatore immediately jumped into action. Doctors told her she would need full-time care after a two-month stint in the hospital, so Salvatore raised over $50,000 on GoFundMe to pay for her to get a caretaker in her home. But when the money ran out, Salvatore couldn't see Cook go to a nursing home, so he asked her and Hermes to move in with him.

The only other option was for her to go into a facility. I just couldn't do that to someone who is like my own grandmother. She couldn't be happier that I asked. I was over there visiting most days anyway.

Chris Salvatore

Today, January 24, 2017

media3.s-nbcnews.com

Cook spends most of her time curled up on the couch while Salvatore makes meals for her. According to Cook, Salvatore's kitchen skills are really top notch.

If he can't make it as an actor, he can make it as a chef.

Norma Cook

Today, January 24, 2017

media3.s-nbcnews.com

Salvatore couldn't be happier to cook for her. He seems to be enjoying having her moved in with him as much as she is enjoying living with him.

Moving her in... it feels as though it was meant to be all along. It's really fulfilling to be there for her.

Chris Salvatore

Today, January 24, 2017

media3.s-nbcnews.com

So, now, what we want to know is...

Would you let your elderly neighbor move in with you?

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