Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, has been diagnosed with cancer, as confirmed by Vulcan Chief Executive Officer Jody Allen. In a memo sent out to all employees of Vulcan, Allen’s company, Jody Allen, the sister of Microsoft’s co-founder, indicated her brother is battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Both Microsoft co-founders have a long history of tackling the most severe health issues worldwide, including cancer, through their philanthropic organizations, however, unlike Bill Gates, Allen’s fight was also on a personal level.

Back in 1983, Allen successfully overcame Hodgkin's disease, another type of lymphoma, and most recently underwent heart surgery. In a memo sent on Monday to employees of Vulcan, the company’s CEO notes that Allen “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.”

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer which affects lymphocytes, also known as white blood cells. Gates noted in a response to the news that "Melinda and I have Paul and his family in our thoughts and prayers. Paul is among my closest friends, and I know to him be a strong and resilient individual,” according to TechFlash.

No additional details have been provided for the public at this point in time. It is, of course, understandable that Allen has chosen to focus on battling cancer. “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,” Jody Allen added. “Thank you in advance for what I know will be all your good thoughts for Paul.”