Born 1934 in Stockton, CA with four brothers and two sisters, Saul was athletically active with boxing, basketball, softball and baseball. Dancing was nt one of his priority activites, not even to meet girls.

After Stockton college, he went on to University of the Pacific and received a BA in pre-med and following in the footsteps of his two older brothers, went on the med-school route. At Northwestern Medical School in Chicago, he experienced al work and no play making friends wit many Jewish students. There were few Chinese medical schools, at that time. While working at the hospital, he learned to play pool as well as slicing monkey brains.

After four years at Northwestern Medical School, he did an internship at San Francisco General Hospital where he had the opportunity to treat a large ethnic population. Soon after he went into the US Army as a captain. Here he went overseas to North Korea in Camp Berry, by the DMZ. Saul had the opportunity to visit cities like Seoul and Pushan and toured other Asian coutnries like Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia. Travel had been one of his favorite pastimes so after being discharged from the Army he and his friend Thomas Chan, a city planner, went on an extensive trip through Europe, leaving in October.

Arrving in Munich, Germany, Saul purchased a white, 1965 Porche C Coupe. It cost $5000 in 1965. In this car, Saul and Thomas drove to France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Switerzland, Belgium, Netherlands and England before coming home. The car was put on a frieghter which arrived in Port of San Francisco two months later.

Saul remembers learning about European architecture from Thomas. Meeting the locals was the most interesting experience and a chance to speak a little German and Spanish. Picking up hitchhikers was common in Europe, including women. In Spain, supper was at 10pm, many countries had siestas in the afternoon so shops were closed between 1- 3pm.

After returning to the US, he joined Kaiser Permanente for a few years before acquiring a general practice residency at Contra Costa County in Martinez, CA. Staying on at Contra Costa County Hospital, he was involved in training medical residents as was as nurses in family practice. Assisting an opthomologist gave him a chance to become acquainted with that specialty.

In 1965 he met this dazzling young lady Katherine Lee and was married later that same year. They traveled the next 37 years all over the world to countries including of western Europe, Russia, Poland and East Berlin. Over the years other countries in Asisa, Central and South America, the Nothern continents, Caribbean Islands and Hawaiian Islands were explored.

After practicing medicine for thirty five years (Contra Costa County, Kaiser Permanente and Berkeley Family Practice in Berkeley), Saul semi-retired and was enjoying the good life when he went on a trip to Japan and experienced weakeness in the arms. He couldn't hold his electric shaver nor bring up his suitcase during the trip. Six months later after exhaustive tests, ne was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Saul has continued for more than two years to manage the symptoms of this dreaded disease, first walking with a cane, then a walker and now uses an electric wheelchair. The arms and legs have become weaker as the muscles atrophied. He's now a patient after years of being the doctor. Yet, he maintains his sense of humor, complains little and with the help of his wife, Katherine, and adult children, Jason and Monique, manages symptoms with information and help and have kept a fighting vigilto bring a positive spin to an otherwise horrific situation. Learning all there is about ALS, Saul set out with the family and friends aware of ALS, participate in fund raising events, set up a speaking series for caregivers and formed a caregivers support group.

It's a challenging time for Saul and his family but they hang on to the hope of a cure, through research. It may not happen in Saul's lifetime, but through his efforts. Living in the present, living in the moment, savoring friendships and developing deeper relationships, cherishing the time together bring meaning and joy for the Gongs. With faith in God and a deep spiritual belief, with support, encouragement and help from family, friends and church community, Saul enjoys each day, one day at a time. In his wheelchair he's still traveling to South America on a cruise ship, fly to Hawaii, Las Vegas and van to Zion and Bryce National Parks and the Grand Canyon, and will attend a niece's wedding in Portland, OR this year before sailing to Alaska. He says, "Find what you love and do it!"

Keep things simple, enjoy relationships, live every moment as if it's the last and stay close to God encompassses the philosphy of Saul Gong.