09/26/2025
He still likes to clown around! Roger Norman is one of those people whose spirit you don’t forget. A longtime Rockford resident, a former mail carrier, and a father of six, Roger has always lived life with purpose and a good sense of humor.
Married to his sweetheart Connie for 57 years, he’s enjoyed being known as “Sonshine the Clown” or “The Balloon Man.” That’s because Roger brought joy for decades first through puppet shows at church, balloon animals at hospitals, and spontaneous smiles at restaurants. “I’m still a clown,” he says with a grin.
These days, Roger is living with heart issues and receives palliative care at home. That’s where our incredible nurse practitioner, Toni Hughart, DNP APRN FNP-BC, comes in. During her visits, Toni checks his lungs, takes his vitals, helps monitor memory changes, and, just as importantly, shares a laugh or two. “Toni’s got a great sense of humor,” says Roger. “She’s a sweetie. I just know that she’s there for us.”
Before starting Northern Illinois Palliative Care, Roger and Connie had to make long trips back and forth to Madison for appointments at a memory clinic. “We didn’t understand palliative care at first,” says Connie, “but the doctor said to follow through. And I’m so glad we did. It’s comforting. Toni tells us about resources we never knew about. Now Roger can focus on staying as active as he can right here at home.”
Roger still enjoys the simple things in life like puzzles and fishing. “I just like to drop a line in the water whether it’s down at the river or out at Rock Cut,” he said. Roger is proof that a diagnosis doesn’t define you, and that humor, love, and a little balloon magic can help you carry on.
