Paul Simoneau Fund

Paul Simoneau’s Cancer Bio

In September 2008, Paul noticed feeling more tired than work or exercise could explain. As part of an annual physical exam, the blood tests showed he was anemic. At the same time, he was dropping weight much too fast. During that time, other new experiences were showing up in his health such as extreme reactions to medications, throwing up, and reactions to diagnostic test dyes. All that led to more medical appointments and more time away for earning income.

Finally, on December 8, 2008, while Paul was out teaching in Northern Virginia, the key results were back. Our family doctor called with the news, “You have a myeloma.” Once again, the work stopped and more medical appointments took over. Now an oncologist took over to verify the diagnosis as Stage III IGA lamda multiple myeloma. Under these conditions: the type of cancer and the aggressive treatment plan, work will once again have to wait.

Paul has been self-employed for 17 years as a technical trainer, author, speaker, and consultant. That means sick pay, paid time off, and employer paid (or partially employer paid) health insurance are for others. Paul must work to get paid and must get paid to pay all the health insurance and co-pays as well as the regular daily, weekly, and monthly expenses of life.

Paul is father to Amy who, along with her husband Clint are the parents of his two grandchildren Katherine and Caleb. He is also father to Patrick and potentially daughter-in-law Jolena. His daughter Margaret lives at home with him and his wife Ginny.

With Paul’s technical skills and teaching orientation, he has added information about his experiences through this process to the existing Caring Bridge web site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paulsimoneau