90-Year-Old Cancer Patient Eschews Treatment for Dream Road Trip

Just two days after her husband of 67 years passed away, a 90-year-old Michigan native was informed by her doctors that she had uterine cancer and was given a difficult choice: surgery, radiation, or chemo therapy. The woman, Miss Norma, decided on none of the above.

“I’m 90 years old, I’m hitting the road,” said Norma, according to ABC News.

It was time for Norma to fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling across the United States.

Norma embarked on the open road with her son Tim and daughter-in-law Ramie in August, and six months later they’re having an adventure many would envy.

After setting out from Northern Michigan, they’ve visited numerous American landmarks: Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, and Walt Disney World. Norma’s favorite activity was a hot air balloon ride in Florida, which was a Christmas gift from Tim and Ramie.

The family has been documenting the journey on a Facebook page entitled Driving Miss Norma.

Ramie spoke to ABC News about the trip, and expressed her belief that it’s been good for her mother-in-law’s body.

“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’s with her loved ones and that’s really important.”

The family is sharing Norma’s story in the hopes that it will lead to further discussion amongst families about end of life preparations.

“Everyone has different ideas about how they want the end of their life to work. As a planet, we need to have this conversation.”