Ed's not about money, he's about fame. Was told by multiple sources during blood purification days that he envisioned being named Time magazine's "Man of the year".
Shannon most likely has a six figure pension from the Canadian Government, and has stated publicly that his hero is Einstein.
They both are pulling in enough money to support a comfortable lifestyle. What would a 75 year old man with health issues do with millions of dollars. It's not like he's 40 yard old.
It's all about their legacy. Ed the great humanitarian, Shannon the great scientist.