Paul Allen

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. In 1983, Allen successfully battled Hodgkin's disease, which is also a type of lymphoma. Allen's sister, Jody Allen, today sent an email to employees of Allen's investment arm, Vulcan, explaining the situation. Full email -- which was shared with TechFlash by a Vulcan spokesman -- below. [Post updated with a statement from Bill Gates]

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

Last year, Allen pulled out of a banquet held in his honor due to undisclosed health concerns. But, as recently as late September, the 56-year-old software mogul was saying that he was in good shape. A sports columnist for the Oregonian ran a story titled "A Healthier Paul Allen is a healthy sign for the Trail Blazers."

"I'm fine, finally," Allen told sports columnist John Canzano. "I'm much, much better. I hit a few bumps in the road. Your health ... is the most important thing in the world, isn't it?"

UPDATE: Bill Gates, who co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, issued this statement this evening.

"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."