Norm's Fight Against Thyroid Cancer

We are the family and friends of Norm Dela Rosa.  If you don’t know already, Norm has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. We are sponsoring this page to help provide medical and financial support as he begins his journey of fighting the battle against this fast-growing disease.

For those who don’t know Norm (also known as Snuke), you’d think he is the coolest guy to know.  He has a funny sense of humor that everyone loves, especially the kids.  He’s a professional barber at Fil-Am Hair Design and is one of the best barbers in the area.  He’s also a talented bass guitarist that studied under bass extraordinaire, Anthony Wellington.  Sometimes, in between cuts, you can hear him playing catchy jazz tunes on his bass guitar at his shop located in Fort Washington, MD. 

Norm is the eldest of 7 kids, and is looked up to as a big brother not only to his siblings, but also to many in our community. He is a father of three children that he would do anything for. He is a loving husband, son, and a favored uncle.  

Just before Christmas last year, Norm had noticed a large mass on the side of his neck.  When he went to George Washington Hospital to see Dr. Arjun Joshi, he and his family were shocked to discover he had thyroid cancer that spread to his lymph node. This required him to immediately go through extensive radical neck surgery to have it removed.  It was very difficult for him to eat, talk or even move around afterwards. Knowing his strength had decreased significantly, Norm was determined not to let this hold him back.  He returned to work, against doctor’s orders, less than 2 weeks after his surgery.    

Even still, the hardest part is yet to come.  To rid himself completely of the remaining cancerous cells, he will soon have to begin radiation which could last for a few weeks, possibly more.  He will have to be kept away from his family during this time and will be unable to work while he recovers.  Norm works very hard, working all hours of the day to accommodate his clients, and is very dedicated to providing for his family.  However, with him not being physically able to work, it will be difficult to pay this unexpected medical expense as well as the rest of his financial obligations. 

Norm has focused greatly on taking care of himself in these recent years, especially after finding out he is diabetic.  He quit smoking and drinking, and with the help from his wife, Geneen, has adapted to eating a healthier diet.  He went from 245 to 213 lbs.  So it’s no question his health is something he has taken seriously.  Like us all, he wants to live long and be around for his family.  He had also started exercising more, which in doing so allowed him to discover a new passion for fixed-gear riding and has become an avid cyclist.  This is a hobby he really misses and is determined to get back on once he’s strong again and fully recovers. 

Recovering from this is going to require some time though. Norm will have to save all his strength to focus on fighting this and we want him to do it without having to deal with financial worries and stress. Norm has always been so generous to others and willing to lend a hand, even to those he doesn’t know.  Well-known and looked up to by many, he has always looked out for others so now it’s our turn to look out for him.  We know he is a strong man that can get through this, but he’s going to need some help. If you could please donate to this GoFundMe page, your generous donations would be greatly appreciated by him and his family.  No amount is too small. Please help so that Norm can concentrate on beating this battle against thyroid cancer and have a speedy recovery.  We’d all love to see him back on his bike and well by his barber’s chair in no time.  Please help if you can and please keep Norm and his family in your prayers.