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NEWS
Old age no barrier
Inspiring 90 year-old cancer sufferer enjoys final days in a motorhomeOld age and sickness are no barriers to hitting the road and trying new things.
That’s the message from a 90-year-old American widow, who is enjoying an extended RV holiday despite been diagnosed with a potentially terminal illness and having to get around in a wheelchair.
After her husband of 67 years died, Norma was diagnosed with what looked like a cancerous tumour on her uterus. But ignoring medical advice to undertake surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatment, she reportedly told her doctor: “I’m 90 years-old, I’m hitting the road.”
But in a surprise twist, her doctor supported her bold and inspiring decision.
“As doctors we see what cancer treatment looks like every day. ICU, nursing homes, awful side effects and honestly, there is no guarantee she will survive the initial surgery to remove the mass,” he said.
“You are doing exactly what I would want to do in this situation. Have a fantastic trip!”
Rather than spend her last days in a nursing home or hospital, Norma joined her son Tim, his wife Ramie and their pet poodle Ringo on an RV adventure across the US.
So far, she’s been on the road for six months, travelling in the motorhome that is otherwise the full-time home of Ramie and Tim.
As you can see from her popular Facebook page, titled ‘Driving Miss Norma’ she’s been enjoying a range of activities more the go of people half her age including driving a boat and riding in a hot air balloon.
According to Ramie, the trip is doing Norma some good.
“She’s getting healthier, I think, from eating well and being outside a lot. She’s breathing fresh air and getting to see new things all the time," she said.
Now a minor celebrity, Norma says she’s proud to be an inspiration to others, and the family hope her story will inspire other families to discuss alternative end-of-life plans.
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Written byChris Fincham
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