His diagnosis became public through an email sent Monday afternoon to employees of Vulcan Inc., Allen's Seattle-based investment firm, by Vulcan’s CEO and Allen’s sister Jody Allen.
She said in the email that Allen had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this month and is undergoing chemotherapy. His doctors say that he has diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a type of aggressive lymphoma.
“This is tough news for Paul and the family. Paul is feeling OK and remains upbeat," she wrote. "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."
Bill Gates said of Allen's diagnosis that he and his wife Melinda Gates "have Paul and his family in our thoughts and prayers”.
"Paul is among my closest friends, and I know him to be a strong and resilient individual," he added.
Allen’s previous battle with Hodgkin's disease
This is not the first time the 56-years-old investor billionaire has been diagnosed with cancer. He had battled another form of immune system cancer called Hodgkin's disease more than 25 years ago and even recovered from the disease.
However, following his diagnosis, he had to leave Microsoft in 1983 to focus on his health.
Allen co-founded the software company with fellow programmer and childhood friend Bill Gates in 1975 and served as the company's executive vice president of research and new product development until 1983.
Allen’s—one of the richest
After he retired from Microsoft, Allen went on to invest broadly in diverse sectors like technology, real estate, sports and arts.
At the same time, he continued to be a major shareholder of the Microsoft Corp. and also remained on the board of members.
Nevertheless, there was no looking back for Allen who became one of the richest people in the world thereon.
According to Forbes magazine, Allen is the 17th richest person among the 400 richest Americans with a net worth of $10.5 billion.
The billionaire owns one of the world’s largest yachts along with 30 vintage aircrafts.
His major assets include cable provider Charter Communications, professional sports teams including football's Seattle Seahawks and basketball's Portland Trailblazers, and holdings in numerous technology chains, including Vulcan Inc., his Seattle-based investment firm.
However, his company Charter Communications isn't faring well as it filed for a huge bankruptcy with $21.7 billion in debt last year.
Post new comment