Skip to main content

Paul is
Blood Cancer United

My husband's story began in July 2018, when he suddenly became ill. I rushed him to the ER. The shocking diagnosis, multiple myeloma. Three weeks prior to his hospitalization he had a physical with blood work, all was normal.

He fought a tough battle from July 2018 with three hospitalizations, which included an ICU hospital stay, a rehab and a sub-acute rehab to learn to to walk. Miraculously, he came home in November 2018. From November 2018, he was on various chemo treatments that worked and eventually, didn't work. Then, September 2019, he had a long awaited stem cell transplant. In Dec 2019, we found out that the stem cell transplant was not successful.

In, January 2020, we started looking at clinical trials and appointments with multiple myeloma specialty doctors out of state. Paul continued on other several new chemo regiments and 5 rounds of radiation to his head area between February 2020 until August 2020. Paul was then scheduled for a clinical trial drug twice, which unfortunately fell through. Then, in September 2020 Paul was scheduled for one round of a different chemo and rescheduled for a long awaited clinical trial drug.

Unfortunately, Paul did not make it. Paul Mancuso, 50, of Wallingford, died suddenly from other complications on Monday, September 7, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Karen (Jones) Mancuso, and devoted father of Michael Mancuso. He was born in Bridgeport, January 9, 1970, the son of Domenic Mancuso of Florida and the late Susan (Colandrea) Mancuso and was a Graduate of Bunnell High School. Paul was fighting a courageous three year battle with multiple myeloma, he was in active treatment and scheduled for a promising clinical trial drug at SK NY. He was employed before his illness by Car Quest in Milford and Autopart International in North Haven. Paul was an avid fan of baseball (Boston Red Sox), hockey (NJ Devils), Nascar, and football (Denver Broncos), chopping wood, and computer gaming with his special group of online friends, and he loved fishing.

He enjoyed backyard grilling and spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and his famous pen collection. He was a family man who had an infectious personality that was larger than life itself, excellent work ethic, sense of humor and a smile that could brighten anyone's day, a huge heart, and he would help anyone out in a heartbeat. His pride and joy, heart and soul was his son Michael (who was named after one of his favorite uncles, Uncle Mike). In addition to his wife Karen, his son Michael, and his father Domenic of Florida. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Cathy and Gabe Gaudio of Florida; his brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Kathy Mancuso and her daughter Julianna of Naugatuck; his nieces, Cathy Hoffman and her husband Chris, and Julie Provonsil and her husband Mat; his great niece Chelsea Hoffman all of Florida; his special aunt and uncle William and Gloria Paul, several cousins, special cousins and family members who helped him through his health struggle: John Paul and his wife Heather, William Paul Jr., William Davidson Jr., Judy Pester, Frank Rossi, Violet Lajoie, and Al Bodnar; and his beloved dog, Salvatore. And several friends and devoted friends who were by his side: Robert and Cathleen, John and Damaris, Scott and Lauren, Drew, Mark, Dan and Jen, Sandy and Stu, Martin and Renee.

Paul was predeceased by several aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his mother in law Marlene Lajoie-Jones. The family would like to deeply thank those who cared for him the last three years for his multiple myeloma - Dr. Gerard Fumo, Nathan St. Louis APRN, and the entire oncology nursing department and staff at Midstate Medical Center (who saved his life in 2018), Dr. Noffar Bar and Paul's favorite nurses and the staff at Smilow North Haven. Paul may physically be gone, but his life left an everlasting imprint in the hearts and minds on those who met him.

Paul

In Memory

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
A blood cancer patient sitting outdoors in a red chair, holding a young child on their lap while relaxing in a grassy, sunlit setting, with trees and a peaceful backyard environment in the background.

Clare

peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)

A young child stands indoors on a hardwood floor wearing a lavender dress, colorful socks, and a pink head wrap. The portrait highlights a moment of confidence and individuality during a blood cancer experience, capturing the resilience of children and families navigating treatment, recovery, and survivorship. This image reflects hope, strength, and everyday life affected by pediatric blood cancer.

Kelly

Family member and caregiver

Close-up portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing along a coastal cliff at sunset, with the ocean and shoreline visible in the background. The individual wears a patterned head covering and a light-colored sweatshirt while looking toward the camera. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, hope, and finding moments of peace during and after blood cancer treatment. The scenic setting reflects strength, healing, and the support that helps people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers move forward.

Liz

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

inspirational-stories-blood-cancer-shirley.jpeg

Shirley

large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL)

A selfie taken inside a vehicle shows a blood cancer survivor sitting beside a large brown dog wearing a harness and orange collar. The dog is positioned prominently in the foreground, while the individual wears sunglasses and a seatbelt. The candid photo highlights the comfort, companionship, and everyday moments that support many people affected by blood cancer during survivorship and recovery.

Kaitlyn

survivor

Two people wearing bright yellow banana costumes pose outdoors near an active volcanic eruption, with lava and a large plume of smoke rising in the background. The playful travel photo captures a memorable moment of adventure, humor, and connection. The image accompanies a blood cancer survivor story, reflecting resilience, celebrating life after a blood cancer diagnosis, and finding joy in meaningful experiences.

Thomas

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Portrait of a blood cancer advocate standing in front of a red Leukemia & Lymphoma Society event backdrop, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, glasses, and a patterned top. The image highlights community engagement, blood cancer awareness, and support for patients, survivors, and families affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. Featured as part of a blood cancer survivor story, the photo reflects advocacy, resilience, and the impact of collective action in the blood cancer community.

Angie

Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)

A blood cancer volunteer stands with a bicycle at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, with the iconic mountain monument and visitors visible in the background. Wearing cycling gear and protective arm sleeves, the individual poses during a long-distance cycling adventure that supports blood cancer awareness and advocacy. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, perseverance, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis while inspiring hope for others affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers.

Darin

Volunteer and supporter

A person is lying in a hospital bed wearing a patterned hospital gown. The individual has multiple hospital wristbands on one arm and a small bandage near the wrist. They are holding a light blue surgical mask near their chin. The background shows a curtain with a circular pattern and part of a wall-mounted medical device.

Georgia

mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL)

Close-up indoor portrait of a blood cancer survivor wearing a burgundy polka-dot blouse, illuminated by natural window light. The image accompanies a blood cancer survivor story, highlighting resilience, advocacy, and life after a blood cancer diagnosis. This authentic portrait reflects the strength of individuals affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, while emphasizing hope, survivorship, and the importance of support within the blood cancer community.

Anna

mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)

Outdoor portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing on a sidewalk in a landscaped neighborhood, wearing a black top and a colorful statement necklace. Trees and greenery create a natural backdrop. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, hope, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis. The photo represents the strength of individuals affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, while emphasizing the importance of awareness, support, and survivorship.

Sharon

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Close-up indoor selfie showing an older adult wearing glasses and a red shirt while holding a baby. Soft natural light fills the room, highlighting a meaningful family moment across generations. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image reflects the importance of family, resilience, and celebrating everyday milestones after a blood cancer diagnosis. The photo represents hope, connection, and the support that helps individuals and families navigate the blood cancer experience.

Joseph

plasma cell leukemia (PCL)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.