Microsoft Co-founder Diagnosed With Cancer

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Wife of entrepreneur and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has revealed that the 56-year-old was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Allen left Microsoft in the 1980's and founded Vulcan Inc., an investment and project management company. He also owns the Seahawks and is a big philanthropis.

In a memo sent to both staff at Vulcan and the media, Jody Allen said her husband had received the diagnosis earlier this month, adding that he had already started chemotherapy.

Allen was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1983 and recovered after receiving chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

The full memo from Jody Allen (via CNet) can be seen below.

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