Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon has described his terminal colon cancer as the 'most amazing experience of my life', because he is surrounded by his loved ones and donating his $100 million fortune to his passion - animal rights.

Given three months to live in 2012, Simon immediately decided to team up with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) president Ingrid Newkirk, and dedicate his time to the rescue of maltreated animals and conservation, The Daily Mail reports.

Having defied that diagnosis' original death sentence, Simon continues to push ahead and has also funded projects such as 'Feeding Families' to help with the underprivileged in inner cities.

And now, as he enters the twilight of his life, has declared himself never happier and finally at peace.

'They showed me my scans', said Simon to NBC's Maria Shriver Project during an interview from his Los Angeles mansion.

'They said these are the scans of a dead man. I said, 'Is it curable?' And they said, 'We don't use that word.'

'I will say that the doctor said, 'I can't cure you, but my job is to keep you alive. And he has done a remarkable job of it.

'He has done great. I have never been happier, so thank you doctor.'

However, Simon did not shrink from the realities of his condition, nor fail to inject some trademark humour.

'Cancer is a horrible disease. I am struggling with it,' said Simon to NBC.

'It's everything that everybody always tells you. It's a journey, it's a fight. But, if you want publicity and you want to pick up girls, then cancer is the greatest thing in the world.'

Simon has no children and is not married so he wants to give his millions to causes he cares about. He was married to actress Jennifer Tilly in the 1980s but divorced in 1991 though they remain close.

Having already lived almost one year longer than doctors initially gave him, Simon told Maria Shriver that amazingly, his happiness was a direct result of his cancer diagnosis.

'Somehow I ended up surrounded by people who love me and take care of me and will do anything for me. That is called happiness. I think I may have had a problem letting it in before.