Sam Simon, popularly known as one of the creators of "The Simpsons" was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2012. From the time when he was diagnosed, he decided to give away his $100 fortune to charities that are special to him.
Sam Simon is a renowned American director, producer, writer and philanthropist. In 1989, he developed the animated sitcom, "The Simpsons" with Matt Groening and James L. Brooks. For his television work, Simon has won nine Primetime Emmy Awards. In late 2012, Sam Simon was diagnosed with terminal colorectal cancer.
Sam Simon's cancer later metastasized in his other organs, including his liver and kidneys. He was given between three to six months to live. Over the following six months, chemotherapy treatment reduced the size of his tumors. Simon has arranged for his personal fortune to be left to various charitable causes.
"The truth is, I have more money than I'm interested in spending. Everyone in my family is taken care of. And I enjoy this," Simon said in one of his interviews.
Since his diagnosis, 59-year-old Sam Simon has decided to donate his substantial personal wealth of $100 million to charity. He also put most of his money into the Sam Simon Foundation. According to Time, the foundation works to feed families in need and also provide service dogs for veterans.
Sam Simon has decided to use his fight with cancer to do more charitable work. According to The Independent UK, he has been working with PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk to help raise money for the animal rights charity to plan a series of animal liberations and actions.
"I think that my passion for the animals and against animal abuse is based on the knowledge that these creatures who feel and think can't speak for themselves and they're dependent on us for that," he told Maria Shriver in his recent interview with NBC News. "And so I feel it's my responsibility to speak for those that can't speak for themselves."
Sam Simon is also a member for Save The Children. And though devastating, the subsequent news of his terminal cancer was in some ways liberating for "The Simpsons" creator.
"Cancer has been a fight," he said. "It's been an adventure. It's been an education. It's been the most amazing experience of my life."
And though Simon has struggled personally during his terminal diagnosis, he explains that this is the happiest he's ever been.
"Somehow, I ended up surrounded by people that love me and take care of me and will do anything for me," he said. "It's a good feeling. That's called happiness."
While Sam Simon's cancer battle hasn't been easy, it was not enough to damp down his spirit instead he remains positive.
