Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, like the less-common Hodgkin's disease, is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Hodgkin's lymphoma is distinguished from the other by the presence of a certain type of cell.
Paul Allen, 56, co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates and is one of the wealthiest people in the world, according to Forbes Magazine. He is the founder and chairman of Vulcan Inc., which is his private asset management company, and is chairman of Charter Communications.
Allen also owns three professional sports teams: the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League, the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association, and the Seattle Sounders FC franchise in Major League Soccer that began playing in the 2009 season.
Jody Allen's memo about Paul was published on CNET:
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.
On Paul Allen's website, PaulAllen.com, there is a very inspiring paragraph in his lead page on the site. These words indicate the positive spirit that Paul Allen has that may just carry him through this difficult time.
I hope you believe, as I do, in the inexhaustible ability of human beings to find answers to problems, to create works of beauty and originality, and to craft vital new ideas inspired by those who've gone before. The possible is constantly being redefined, and I care deeply about helping humanity move forward.
To me, there's nothing more gratifying than that.
Cheryl Phillips
HULIQ.com
Posted November 17th, 2009 by Cheryl Phillips
