Blood Cancer in the News: Paul Allen, Roman Reigns, Scott Wilson

By Pamela Munnelly · October 26, 2018

Over the last few weeks, blood cancer has been in the news due to the passing of celebrities Paul Allen and Scott Wilson, as well as surprise announcement by wrestler Roman Reigns about the return of his cancer.

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen dies of lymphoma

Paul Allen died of complications with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) at the age of 65. Allen had co-founded Microsoft with his childhood friend, Bill Gates, and was a well-known investor and philanthropist. Allen was first diagnosed in 2009 with NHL and announced the recurrence of his cancer a few weeks ago. He had previously survived Hodgkin lymphoma in the 1980s. Allen also founded Vulcan Inc., a venture firm, and owned the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers. He is survived by a sister.¹

WWE star Roman Reigns announces leukemia relapse

During an episode of Monday Night Raw, professional wrestler Roman Reigns announced the return of leukemia, which had been in remission since 2008. He relinquished his WWE Universal Championship title during his announcement. In a statement released by the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.), Reigns “is taking his battle with leukemia public in an effort to raise awareness and funds for research in order to advance cures for the disease.”²

Actor Scott Wilson dies of leukemia

Actor Scott Wilson, known for roles in The Walking Dead, In Cold Blood and more, died at the age of 76 from leukemia. Originally from Georgia, Wilson was often best known for his role as villains. He is survived by his wife, Heavenly Koh, whom he married over 40 years ago.³

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Weinberger, M. Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen dies at 65 after battle with cancer. Business Insider. Available at https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-cofounder-paul-allen-dies-at-age-65-2018-10?r=UK&IR=T. Accessed 10/26/18.
Oestriecher, B. Roman Reigns Reveals Leukemia Diagnosis And Dean Ambrose Turns Heel As WWE Raw Hits A Hard Reset. Forbes. Available at https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakeoestriecher/2018/10/23/roman-reigns-reveals-leukemia-diagnosis-and-dean-ambrose-turns-heel-as-wwe-raw-hits-a-hard-reset/#6a663b5563f8. Accessed 10/26/18.
Smith, H. Scott Wilson, star of ‘In Cold Blood’ and ‘The Walking Dead,’ dies at 76. The Washington Post. Available at https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/scott-wilson-star-of-in-cold-blood-and-the-walking-dead-dies-at-76/2018/10/07/7abf4076-ca3c-11e8-a3e6-44daa3d35ede_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.bcfc37ec8cf0. Accessed 10/26/18.