Paul Allen diagnosed with cancer
The Microsoft co-founder has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to a memo sent by his sister.
Paul Allen, a Microsoft co-founder, has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
(Credit: NBA)Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has been diagnosed with cancer, according to a memo sent on Monday to employees of Vulcan, Allen's company.
Allen, who is a survivor of Hodgkin's disease, has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to Vulcan CEO Jody Allen, who is also Paul Allen's sister.
Jody Allen's memo, which was also sent to the media:
To employees of Vulcan and affiliates:
I want to let you know that Paul was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
He received the diagnosis early this month and has begun chemotherapy. Doctors say he has diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a relatively common form of lymphoma.
This is tough news for Paul and the family. But for those who know Paul's story, you know he beat Hodgkin's a little more than 25 years ago and he is optimistic he can beat this, too.
Paul is feeling OK and remains upbeat. He continues to work and he has no plans to change his role at Vulcan. His health comes first, though, and we'll be sure that nothing intrudes on that.
We would ask you to respect Paul's privacy and not discuss this outside of the office.
If you have any questions, please ask your EC member.
Thank you in advance for what I know will be all your good thoughts for Paul.
Jody
Fellow Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said he and his wife, Melinda, were keeping Allen in their thoughts.
"Melinda and I have Paul and his family in our thoughts and prayers," Gates said in a statement. "Paul is among my closest friends, and I know to him be a strong and resilient individual."
Updated at 6:55 p.m. PST with comment from Bill Gates.
