Paul Kraus

Paul Kraus (October 1944 – July 2024) was a Holocaust survivor and mesothelioma patient. Kraus was born in and survived a Nazi forced labor camp during World War II. In 1997, Kraus was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos. Doctors originally believed that the cancer was terminal and that he had only weeks to live, but Kraus was for 29 years considered to be the longest-lived mesothelioma survivor. Kraus was an Australian author and cancer survivor whose writings focused on Australia, health, and spirituality. His book Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient’s Guide is a best-selling book on the subject. Due to rail destruction by Allied bombing, they were sent to a forced labor camp established in the Viehofen flood plain near St. Pölten, Lower Austria. Approximately 180 men, women and children lived in three barracks in the camp where they were used as forced labor for the state-owned Traisen-Wasserverband company based in St. Pölten and the surrounding area. During a summer vacation as an undergraduate student, he worked adjacent to an asbestos factory, where he was exposed to fine asbestos dust. Decades later, he was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer known to be caused by exposure from asbestos. Due to his advanced metastases, doctors believed he only had weeks to live. Kraus passed away in July, 2024 at the age of 79.

Selected works Faith, Hope, Love and Laughter – How They Heal Not So Fabulous 50s: Images of a Migrant Childhood A New Australian, a New Australia Surviving Cancer: Inspirational Stories of Hope and Healing Prayers, Promises & Prescriptions for Healing Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide Mother Courage: From the Holocaust to Australia