90-year-old cancer patient living life to the fullest on road trip across US
Norma, a 90-year-old woman from Michigan, is leading her life to fullest on a road trip throughout the United States. Just a couple of days after Norma’s 67-year old husband’s demise, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Doctors offered her choices of undergoing surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. But, she refused to undergo any treatment, and told doctors that she’s 90 years old, and is going for a road trip.
Norma’s son, Tim, and daughter-in-law, Ramie, are full-time RVers. Norma wasn’t able to live at home in the absence of her husband, so, her children called her to join them on the road trip. After six months, the trio along with their poodle Ringo is on the trip of a lifetime.
Speaking on the behalf of the family, Ramie said that Norma is a set of fresh eyes on the indefinite road journey. She said that the old lady is very young at heart and is very quiet and humble, and possesses the streak of adventure, which has surprised them.
In August, they left Northern Michigan, and then their first large halt was Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. Post halt, they traveled to Yellowstone National Park and thereafter onto the Rocky Mountains. Throughout the journey, they've been sharing experiences and details of their adventure on the Driving Miss Norma page on Facebook.
They’ve witnessed stunning sites at the Grand Canyon, run across Disney World, and have gone whale watching in Florida.
The favorite activity of Norma was a ride in a hot air balloon in Florida, which she received as a Christmas present from Tim and Ramie.
While speaking to ABC News, Ramie said that Norma is feeling better. Ramie added, “She continues to surprise us on this trip. 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”.