We know Sam Simon is one of three guys responsible for “The Simpsons” animated series – but of greater respect is the amazing work he’s done on behalf of animals over the last 20 years.
We gushed last summer over his generous decision to donate a multi-million dollar ship to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. And then rambled further about all his other accomplishments.
“He left The Simpsons in 1993, but as one would expect, continues to receive wads of cash each year. While not pursuing other interests outside the world of television (such as being a successful and avid professional poker player), Simon has put his wealth to good use. First there’s the “Sam Simon Foundation” dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating stray dogs that would otherwise be euthanized. These animals then go on to become service dogs for the disabled. His foundation also offers a free mobile spay and neutering program for low-income pet owners.
Last year, he launched the “Sam Simon Foundation Feeding Families” which provides food for people and animals in need. Oh yea – he’s also a board member for Save The Children, hosts the largest annual fundraiser for PETA, and rocks a vegan diet.”
A couple weeks back, PETA announced that they were naming their Virginia HQ after him; an honor he says “is the greatest of his life.”
So it absolutely sucks to hear the news that Simon is fighting cancer – a particularly nasty one that has spread to other organs in his body. He made the announcement yesterday during a radio interview; saying he received the diagnosis just before he was to participate in the Sea Shepherd’s anti-whaling campaign in the Southern Ocean.
“I had all my stuff ready to go for the adventure of my life, but instead I got a different kind of adventure,” he says. “I’ve had the greatest life in the world. So, when it comes to talking about disappointments, they’re very high end disappointments, and there’s not many of them, but this [missing the trip] would be the biggest one.”
Simon says that doctors have given him only a few months to live due to the severity of the diagnosis.
“The diagnosis was–I was feeling bad for a couple years, and I was diagnosing myself from television talk shows, so I was taking antidepressants and I was trying to get my testosterone levels up,” he says. “But then it turned out my primary cancer was colon cancer that had spread to my liver, kidneys, abdominal connective tissues and my lymph system and maybe my brain. They’re not sure about that.”
Nevertheless, he remains unbelievably upbeat. ”I don’t believe in miracles,” Simon added. “And I don’t believe in 3-6 months [to live]. I think it’s an adventure and we shall see what happens.”
Over on Twitter, Simon thanked his followers for their well-wishes and said he’s focused on the positive.
I have great docs, traditional and alternative, and I plan on beating this.Thanks, again!
— Sam Simon (@simonsam) March 13, 2013
Damn cancer. Give it hell, Sam. We wish you all the very best on this next adventure. You rock – and good luck.
About Michael dEstries
Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.View all posts by Michael dEstries →
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