Valerie Harper's husband Tony Cacciotti refused to put her in hospice care, was undyingly devoted to her till the end
Actress Valerie Harper died at the age of 80 on Friday, after years of battling with health issues including lung cancer, brain cancer, and leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. While the actress struggled in her final few months, she always found reassuring support in her husband of 32 years, Tony Cacciotti.
Cacciotti reportedly took it upon himself to ensure that his wife was as comfortable as possible in the final days of her life.
The 78-year-old revealed last month that doctors had advised that his wife should be moved to hospice care amid her battle with cancer, but he refused.
Cacciotti said that he was not willing to listen to the doctors because he adored her a lot and had vowed to do what he thought best for his wife.
Cacciotti, in a Facebook post on July 23, wrote: "I have been told by doctors to put Val in Hospice care and I can’t [because of our 40 years of shared commitment to each other] and I won’t because of the amazing good deeds she has graced us with while she’s been here on earth."
The couple's friend, Deanna, had started a GoFundMe page on Harper's behalf a month before her demise to assist with her medical expenses. The page, with the help of their friends, family and fans, had raised over $66,100 when it was shut down after members of the entertainment industry came forth to assist with the costs.
Cacciotti, while talking to People, said: "She did so much for so many people and once they heard what was happening, they all started coming forward. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would happen like this. It’s really amazing.”
"I just didn’t want to put her into hospice care and now we’re going to be able to keep her here at home,” Cacciotti added. “She’s hanging in there. We have good days and we have tough days.”
Although the cause of her death was not revealed, the actress was diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in 2013, nearly four years after she beat lung cancer in 2009. Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis occurs when cancer cells spread into the fluid-filled membrane surrounding the brain.
Doctors, at the time of her diagnosis, had told her that she had only three months to live. However, the actress beat the odds and survived for six years.
Cacciotti, in the July Facebook post, wrote: "We will continue going forward as long as the powers above allow us, I will do my very best in making Val as comfortable as possible. There are two special ANGELS on this planet masquerading as humans who live and work together, that have made it possible to have all of Val’s needs taken care of. For those of you who have been in this position, you will totally understand that ‘it’s hard letting go,’” he continued. “So as long as I’m able and capable, I’ll be where I belong right beside her."
“Many, many thanks for your outpouring of kindness and support,” Cacciotti wrote, concluding his note.