Sterling met Norm about four years ago when the man called the police to report suspicious activity in the neighborhood. They would often run into each other and Sterling always stopped to chat.
"He’s a very smart person. He has a very interesting view on history and politics. I just loved talking to him," he explained.
But after noticing some social workers visiting Norm last week, Sterling dropped by his home and found that his friend was in very poor health.
Norm had lost a lot of weight and his hair had grown out really long. It was clear that he hadn't been taking care of himself. It was determined that he had early on-set dementia.
With barely a pause, Sterling got himself temporary guardianship of Norm, who has no family, checking the man into a hospital and figuring out what care could be provided for Norm in the long term.
Once Norm recovered, Sterling found a care facility that Norm liked and would be covered by his Social Security and Veteran's Affairs, but there was an upfront cost of $5,500 that Sterling couldn't afford.
He needn't have worried. After posting Norm's story to a GoFundMe page, the money was raised in fewer than 24 hours! Norm has now moved into his new home, and Sterling plans to visit him almost every day.
"I just put it out there hoping maybe somebody would maybe want to spend a few bucks and help Norm get the treatment he needs," he told Inside Edition, "By God, did they ever."
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