I'm walking for a cure
On June 28th 2025, we lost our greatest HERO — my Uncle Paul Savage. He passed away surrounded by family — our hands on him, holding him, hugging him, loving him. My mom’s service dog, Napoleon III, lay by his side and, after he passed, gently jumped onto the bed and rested his head on Paul’s stomach. We made sure he was surrounded by love and affection — the same way he always surrounded us. Uncle Paul was my ROCK. I loved him like a father, with all of my heart and soul. He gave the best hugs. Toward the end of his life, we hugged more than ever — every day. He’d scratch my back, kiss me on the forehead, tell me I was a good kid, and always thank me. He moved in with us in San Francisco in November 2024 and bravely battled pulmonary fibrosis for the last six months. We fought so hard to save his life. He loved life, and he didn’t want to let go. It was an honor to be his advocate and caregiver — to coordinate his care, manage appointments, and apply for lung transplants at over 15 hospitals across the U.S. Most importantly, I got to stand by him every step of the way. Caregiving is hard, intimate work — but it also creates an unbreakable bond. I was born for this role, and Paul reminded me of that every day. He never stopped thanking me for all I did to make his life better. My husband, Jason, loved him like a father too. Paul was his mentor — he taught him how to build, how to fix, and how to live with intention. Paul could light up any room and make everyone feel seen and special. Over the last 12 years, as we cared for my mom, Victorious Vickie, during her recovery from a double brain aneurysm, Uncle Paul was my biggest cheerleader. He adored my mom, and she adored him. They encouraged each other, hugged often, and were fierce, competitive card sharks. He visited us every 3–4 months without fail — always with a hug, a smile, and words of encouragement for me as a full-time caregiver. I’ll never forget his brilliant blue eyes, his contagious smile, and his witty “Savage” one-liners. Before he passed, he made me promise I would write a book for caregivers. He said I was a wealth of knowledge and needed to share it with the world. I intend to keep that promise — in his honor. It was the privilege of my life to be your niece. I’m sure the angels were waiting to party with you in Heaven.
Until we meet again.
God Speed.
Your biggest fan!
Aloha!
The Kramer’s
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-paul-savage-get-a-lifesaving-transplant
2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
I signed up for the PFF Walk to raise funds and build awareness as we walk together toward a cure at the PFF Walk!
More than 250,000 Americans are living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) alone, and funds raised by the PFF Walk help accelerate research, empower our community, and transform care so that everyone with PF and interstitial lung disease (ILD) can live a better life.
And you can help!
Your gift will power progress in the search for a cure and make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and their families. To get started, click on the "Donate Now" or the "Register For This Event" button on the right-hand side.
Visit PFFWalk.org to learn more about the PFF Walk. To learn more about the impact of your support, please visit pulmonaryfibrosis.org.
Thank you!