Providing support for those fighting cancer

Our bodies enable us to truly experience life – to share laughter with friends, to embrace our family members and to do the work that we love. So what’s at stake when the body is overtaken by a force that is as powerful as it is destructive? This is a question that millions of people each year must confront when they are diagnosed with cancer.

One man’s legacy of love and giving

Scott Paulk Jr., independent agent at US Wide Insurance, describes his late father, Scott Paulk Sr., as “someone who always wanted to help and lead others.” Paulk Sr. had a respected career as a supervisor in the Clearwater parks and recreation department. He was a loving son, husband, father, uncle and coworker. But when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2003, everything in his life and in his family’s lives changed.

“We hope to lend a loving hand to the families who have made numerous sacrifices and to serve as a support system through each and every step.”

— Scott Paulk Jr., independent agent at US Wide Insurance and president of Let Me Live Foundation

After years of watching his father go through chemotherapy, radiation and experimental treatments, Scott Paulk Jr. saw firsthand the toll that cancer takes. Not only was his family devastated by his father’s suffering, but they were overwhelmed with medical bills and at one point almost lost their home. Though their community came together to help them through this challenging time, Paulk Jr. knew that millions of other families going through the same thing needed help and support, too.

In 2014, Scott Paulk Sr. lost his battle with cancer. This left a permanent mark on the family, but they were determined to carry on his legacy: to give back and help others.

You don’t have to fight it alone

Scott Paulk Jr. started the Let Me Live Foundation to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those fighting the battle against cancer. The way the Foundation works is simple: it collects and distributes monetary donations to individuals and families who are struggling with cancer. The funds can be used for medical bills, groceries, transportation, childcare or whatever the individual or family needs to help relieve stress so they can focus on getting well.

“As an independent agent, I help people protect what matters most. Alleviating stress for families with a loved one battling cancer is another way I get to do that.”

— Scott Paulk Jr., independent agent at US Wide Insurance and president of Let Me Live Foundation

“We hope to lend a loving hand to the families who have made numerous sacrifices and to serve as a support system through each and every step,” said Paulk Jr. “Our community stepped up to give that gift to us, and it made all the difference.”

Protecting what’s most important

For Scott Paulk Jr., the synergy between his agency, US Wide Insurance, and his nonprofit organization, Let Me Live Foundation, is important. “As an independent agent, I help people protect what matters most to them,” said Paulk. Jr. “Alleviating stress for families with a loved one battling cancer is another way I get to do that, and it’s a way that I get to keep my father’s memory alive, too.”

A $10,000 donation from Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance would allow Let Me Live Foundation to help 20 additional families by providing them with donations to support some of the many expenses associated with cancer treatment. As noted by a recent donation recipient, “your gift will be such a help during these times. I will be forever grateful, and I can’t wait to pay it forward after I beat this disease.”

To vote, share this story using the blue icons to the left, comment below or both. Every vote or comment gets the Let Me Live Foundation closer to a $10,000 donation, which will help 20 families battling cancer. Visit US Wide Insurance and Let Me Live Foundation to learn more.