Prior to the passing of his son in December of 2022, and his daughter in July of 2024, Dr. Bookman was an avid outdoor enthusiast. He spent most of his free time bicycling, skiing, scuba diving, and taking care of his two dogs with his wife Dr. Wasna Dabbagh. Although he still enjoys these activities, he now devotes most of his energies to preserving the legacy and ideals of The GLIDE Fund of the Mark Bookman Foundation. Created by Mark, GLIDE stands for Global Leaders in International Disability Education.

As the father of two chronically ill and disabled children, Paul has spent the better part of 30 years dealing with hospitals, life threatening illnesses, and obstacles trying to make life easier for his two affected children. With the formation of the Foundation, he is now embarking on a new phase of his life. He plans to carry on the disability advocacy work of his son and daughter by making sure that the GLIDE Fund of the Mark Bookman Foundation grows internationally and provides financial assistance to disabled students interested in education exchange experiences to foster an inclusive society in which anyone can led an independent and self-determined life.