We lost Paul Newman last night. The end of an era...the loss of a wonderful man.
We lost Paul Newman last night. The end of an era...the loss of a wonderful man.
RIP Paul Newman. He did such wonderful things for the world, truly lived to give. I hope his doctors were able to manage his pain in those last few months, and I also wonder if we'll ever know what kind of cancer he had...
We still don't know what kind Dana Reeve had, so I doubt that we will ever know about Paul, either. I suppose that the media just doesn't get the significance of the distinquishing differences.
It's pretty well documented that Dana Reeve had lung cancer. Her sister Deborah Morisini has been a major advocate for lung cancer research on her sister's behalf.. In fact, she's one of the VIP guest speakers at the Boston area lung cancer vigil on November 20th. In many ways, Dana Reeve has become the "poster child" for never smokers who get lung cancer.
Paul Newman's family, on the other hand, has declined to say what kind of cancer he had, with only rumors speculating that it might be lung cancer. Personally, I'm torn, because while I value the right of anyone to say and do what he or she wants when it comes to his or her own cancer, if Paul Newman did in fact, have lung cancer, I would love to have had his support to help open the world's eyes to this disease... to show that it kills our heroes, and to create more awareness.
But, as I said, it is/was his life to live and if he didn't want to become a poster child for lung cancer in his final months, or to be known for how he died more than for the other amazing things he did in his long and rich life, I would have to respect his personal decision.
My condolences to his family and friends. I hope the angels are welcoming their new brother with songs of joy, and are surrounding his wife with love and comfort.
I spoke to my mom this morning, she had her Chemo again yesterday and does not feel "on top of the world" this morning, but she was very upset to hear about Paul Newman's death. My mom has always said that my Grandfather (her dad) looked a great deal like Paul Newman and I know how troubling it was for her to hear that he is no longer with us. All I can say is that my heart goes out to his family, and to everyone battling Cancer, regardless of the nature. Cancer takes too many of our friends, family and loved ones and it does not discriminate. Love and hugs to all.
We DO know that Paul had lung cancer. What we were wondering about him and Dana and others was whether it was SC or NSC, or whatever. The press never distinguishes, and apparently the families don't feel that it's an important distinction.
Found this online:
Oscar-winning actor and philanthropist Paul Newman died died on September 26, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. A spokesman said Newman died at his home in Westport, Connecticut, surrounded by his family and friends.1
In August of 2008, Newman completed chemotherapy for lung cancer and reportedly told his family that he wanted "to die at home." A source close to the family reported that Newman was putting his affairs in order.2 3
Fast Facts
September 26, 2008: Paul Newman died after battling cancer; actor was 83 years old4
August 2008: Reports surfaced that Newman may have had only have weeks to live2
Newman received outpatient cancer treatment at New York's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center5
June 2008: Newman's agent Toni Howard stated that the terminal illness claims were false6
June 9, 2008: Newman reported to be suffering from terminal lung cancer7
May 26, 2008: Newman pulled out of directing Of Mice And Men with his theater company due to "health issues"8
January 2008: Newman underwent cancer surgery9
Newman had previously denied having cancer10
Yes, Paul Newman did have lung cancer. I have reached out to his organisation with the hopes of enlisting their help in bringign more awareness and to raise more funds for lung cancer. i live in the same town as he did and I hope to start some type of a walk/event. Also, if there is anyone in fairfield county who would like to join a lung cancer support group please let me know. I have not been able to find one around here and have decided to start my own in Westport CT. If interested, please email me at martaunker@yahoo.com
We all grew up with Paul Newman and loved Paul Newman, and I think respecting his privacy is more important than using his illness and death. If Paul Newman had wanted to become the poster child for lung cancer, he would have. He obviously did not choose that path, and I for one totally respect his desire for privacy. I wish him peace and his wife comfort in knowing she was married to one of the greatest men of our generation.
Paul Newman death caused by lung cancer article at
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,429177,00.html
"Lung cancer has been thrust into the spotlight again after the death of legendary actor and philanthropist Paul Newman at the age of 83. ..."
Wow - that's a great article on lung cancer.
Susan
Hi, Eric,
Thanks for posting the Fox article. I was very glad to finally see a good article telling the world that even after 10, 20, 30 years, former smokers still risk getting lung cancer.
Susan
The fox article was very good. Like jgaynor711, I am torn about Paul Neuman and his family. I do wish they would have done something public to help us. Hopefully they will.
I respect a person's right to privacy, but I also think that lung cancer is getting pegged as the cancer noone wants to deal with(be associated with) once again.
Why can't Mr Newman's family do the right thing and help us stragglers? Throw me a rope people!!!
With hope still,
Pat K
Pat, I want you and my husband and all the lc patients to be thrown a rope, but I defend to the death Paul Newman's desire to live and die privately and for his family to deal with this privately. It's selfish to want more from him or his family. If nothing else, we each should have control over our dying....
Eric, I, too, found the article interesting although I thought it was sad to see the picture of Paul Newman frail and in the wheelchair. Shame on the photojournalist who shot that pic and sold it. I found the details in the article most interesting.....82% of all lung cancers are found in smokers. However, of the 18% never smokers, 90% of this non-smoking group of lc patients are women.....very scary statistics. I agree with the doctor: smoking should be outlawed.
The Sunday L.A.Times did a 4 page spread about Paul Newman-His illness was merely referred to as cancer. What was odd ,was that in all his career accomplishments,there was never a mention of Steve McQueen. I thought at one time the two actors were synonymous-Almost like it was purposely avoided-Both victims of LC. I respect the family's privacy,but cannot help but wonder if all this omission is not media based (or something bigger?) Dirty,dirty LC...
I see Kay posted that there's a new $20 million LC research program being passed. Compliments largely from the works of our own "Salty Dog". What greater legacy is there ,than to advocate -If even from the grave? Thanks Salty Dog- May you & Paul R.I.P.
I would hope that some of Paul Newman's philanthropy, even posthumously, would extend to lung cancer research.
His family has the right to privacy. Paul Newman always tried to live a private life and I sincerely doubt that would change now. Where or what type cancer he had is of little importance.
Paul Newman was a great actor and an even better humanitarian. Rest in Peace, Paul
I agree. Paul Newman and his family had a right to privacy. He looked like and reminded me a lot of my father, who would have done the same thing.
As far as the comments regarding what "kind" of lung cancer he had, what does it matter? HE HAD LUNG CANCER. PERIOD. No matter whether it's SC or NSC, what would that information prove? If it was SC, would you say it was because he smoked? If Dana Reeve had SC, would you say it was because of her exposure to smoking in clubs? I get so tired of people wanting that distinction made, when we should be more concerned that LUNG CANCER gets press, no matter what kind it is. Both are horrible, horrible forms of this disease.
Having lost my mother to lung cancer two months ago, I hate seeing what this beast does to its victims, whether they survive it or not.
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