Hello everyone. My name is Jovan and I would like to take a moment to share my dad's story...

Mom, Shane, Me, Dad - Christmas Eve- December 2010

In the summer of 2012, Paul was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. He soon went through 3 sessions of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. He then underwent surgery to remove his lung, however the surgery was unsuccessful. Thereafter, he endured more chemotherapy and radiation.

Shane, Me, Mom, Dad - December 2012

Going into the summer of 2013, Paul and his family were hopeful that he was on his way to back to normality. By the fall, he developed a bad cough, which he could not shake; causing him to have trouble breathing. The hospital in his hometown stated that there seemed to be fluid in his lungs, but they were not hopeful that his condition could be treated successfully. Paul and his family made the decision to have him transferred to the Hospital of UPENN, where he connected with the most amazing team of doctors. The conclusion was that the radiation treatment had liquified his lung and created a hole in his chest cavity that was continuously filling up with infectious fluids. While the doctors were working on a plan to fix this serious condition, Paul went into septic shock. A chest tube drain was then inserted to remove the fluids and he spent several days in ICU, where he amazingly regained his strength and made a turn in the right direction.

Dad and Juliet - June 2014

In June of 2014, Paul was strong enough to undergo another surgery called an Open Window Thoracostomy. His wife and son had to clean this painful wound twice daily. After an uncomfortable few months, Paul was ready for his next surgery where the doctors would take muscle from his leg and fill the hole in his chest permanently. During the surgery, Paul went into cardiac arrest, causing the doctors to abort the surgery. He spent 41 days in the Hospital of UPENN, where this surgery was attempted 2 more times until it was finally successful in September of 2014.

The whole family. Happy dad is home - October 2014

Throughout the fall and winter of 2014-2015, Paul gained 30 pounds and recaptured his strength. He was finally feeling healthy and back to his normal self for the first time in 3 years.

In early March of 2015, Paul experienced an unexpected seizure, while shopping at his local Shop Rite. He was rushed to the nearest hospital by ambulance, where his family soon found out that a CAT scan of his head revealed a mass on his brain. Paul was immediately helicoptered to the Hospital of UPENN. Again, he was introduced to an amazing team of doctors. After a week of running tests, Paul underwent another surgery which successfully removed the cancerous tumor on his brain.

Paul is currently home and feeling good! Despite his battle, he remains optimistic and continues to fight. He is an amazing husband, father, and friend and is always willing to help others despite his suffering. Although he and his family remain hopeful and positive, they understand that this is an ongoing battle they are facing.

Mom, Dad, Me, Shane - March 2015 


Paul has extensive medical bills and without the ability to work, financial needs as well. If you would like to help Paul, please consider making a donation. No amount is too small and would be greatly appreciated. I also ask that you continue to keep Paul and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Please be sure to return to this page for updates on Paul’s progress.


A message from Paul and his family:

We cannot express how thankful and blessed that we are to have so many friends, family and neighbors in our corner. We thank each and every single one of you for donating, sharing, praying, thinking, and hoping. Your support and prayers help strengthen us as we move forward in this ongoing battle. We are hopeful, we are strong, and we will continue this fight against cancer. #fcancer #superman