The longest-living mesothelioma survivor, Paul Kraus, passed away at the age of 79. Initially given fewer than 6 months to live after his advanced mesothelioma diagnosis, Paul bravely fought the cancer for 27 years, becoming a symbol of hope to other patients and families facing this cancer.
“When I was diagnosed and there was no conventional treatment considered curative… I was told to get my affairs in order.”
– Paul Kraus, mesothelioma survivor for 27 years
Paul credited the power of positivity and radical lifestyle changes in helping him defy the odds and live decades longer than expected with mesothelioma. In fact, he passed away from causes unrelated to cancer.
While Paul is no longer with us, his story proves that mesothelioma is not a guaranteed death sentence and that long-term survivorship can be possible, even when the odds say otherwise. Learn more about Paul’s incredible story below and hear the stories of other long-term survivors for encouragement and inspiration.
From Escaping the Holocaust to Battling Mesothelioma
Paul credited his will to live in the face of life-threatening hardships to his mother, who endured the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust. Paul was born in a Nazi forced labor camp in occupied Austria in 1944. As an infant, his mother escaped with him and his older brother by taking them through Budapest.
In 1997, Paul underwent a minor surgery to repair what was thought to be a hernia. However, his doctor was shocked to find tumors and fluid in the lining of Paul’s abdomen. Paul was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, and the cancer had already spread, limiting his treatment options.
Only 52 years old at the time of his diagnosis, Paul was given less than 6 months to live, which caused him to become “consumed by fear.” After taking time to process the news, Paul decided not to let his unfavorable mesothelioma prognosis define him. Instead, he began searching for ways to fight.
Paul’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a path forward. Get our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide to access real survivor stories, treatment tips, and practical advice to manage life after a diagnosis.
Paul Kraus’ Mesothelioma Survivor Mindset
After Paul Kraus’ mesothelioma diagnosis, he read a book that included information on the power of faith in the face of life-threatening illnesses, like cancer. This deeply resonated with Paul, and he was determined to apply it to his own cancer fight.
Paul then attended a retreat hosted by a long-term cancer survivor, where he learned how practices like mindfulness, positivity, and meditation could help in the healing process. Paul became convinced that a hopeful outlook could influence the body’s ability to heal — even when doctors said nothing more could be done.
Paul then set out to radically transform his mindset to fit what he’d learned in an effort to fight his terminal cancer, refusing to accept what was essentially a death sentence.
“I myself did not find it easy to maintain a positive mindset in the first 18 months after diagnosis, but perseverance with my new lifestyle and a genuine belief that all would be well while addressing the health of body, mind, and spirit were invaluable.”
– Paul Kraus, mesothelioma survivor for 27 years
Taking a Complementary Approach To Treatment
Besides transforming his mindset and outlook, Paul also gave his lifestyle an overhaul. While still receiving standard mesothelioma treatments, Paul began incorporating complementary and alternative therapies into his care plan.
This included meditating twice a day, regularly exercising, and changing his diet. Paul Kraus’ mesothelioma diet focused on whole foods, fruit, and vegetables packed with cancer-fighting nutrients. Ultimately, Paul Kraus became a vegetarian, completely avoiding meat, as well as processed or fried foods and cane sugars. He also added dietary supplements like vitamin C.
Although Paul’s cancer never went into remission, it stopped progressing — an outcome known as stable disease. Paul’s mindset and dietary changes proved essential not only in his fight with mesothelioma, but with two other cancers he later survived: brain cancer and late-stage prostate cancer.
Download our Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide to find out how changing your diet can potentially help in your cancer battle.
More Inspiring Mesothelioma Survivor Stories
While Paul Kraus was one of the best-known mesothelioma survivors, several others have also gone on to live for 20 years or more following a diagnosis. While every cancer patient’s journey is different, these survivors prove that it’s possible to defy the odds and live longer than expected.
Sissy Hoffman
Sissy Hoffman lived 29 years with pleural mesothelioma and was the longest survivor of this cancer. Sissy, a teacher, was diagnosed with this cancer in 1995 when she was in her mid-40s. She was given just 6 months to live.
Sissy bravely decided to undergo a major surgery to remove the lung affected by the cancer, which was key to her survivorship. She was able to return to teaching after recovering from treatment, and later helped refugees adjust to living in America. She passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 73 due to medical complications.
Ellen Patton
In 2001, Ellen Patton was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma at just 41 years old after complaining of shortness of breath and chest pain. Doctors told Ellen she only had 12-18 months to live. The cancer had spread and had reached both of her lungs, preventing her from safely undergoing surgery.
Ellen was determined to live as long as possible and decided to receive an emerging treatment called immunotherapy, which ultimately worked. Now a 24-year survivor, Ellen works to alert the public about the dangers of asbestos (the only known cause of this cancer), mentors other patients, and supports advocacy groups like the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).
Let Us Help You on Your Mesothelioma Journey
The stories of Paul Kraus and other mesothelioma survivors show that, even when facing the uncertainty of cancer, there are still reasons to be hopeful. Every patient’s journey with mesothelioma is unique. Today, there are more options than ever that can help you work toward survivorship.
Mesothelioma Hope is here to make the burden of cancer easier for you and your family by connecting you with key resources. We have experienced Patient Advocates and registered nurses on staff ready to speak with you at no cost.
Our team can help you access:
- The best doctors and treatments near you
- Financial compensation to help cover costs
- Support groups and other resources as you face cancer
Get our Free Survivors Guide now for more inspiring stories or call (866) 608-8933 to see how we may be able to assist you or a loved one facing mesothelioma.
