Longtime Apple, Inc. employee, Bill Atkinson has announced that he is afflicted with Pancreatic Cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. His announcement on Facebook reads as follows:
Request for Prayers
November 12, 2024I am asking friends and well-wishers to pray for me.
I believe that group intention can actually make a difference.
On October first, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Because of vascular involvement, surgery is not possible. I am taking weekly chemo treatments to shrink the tumor before surgical resection. I am tolerating the chemo pretty well, and I am in good spirits. Every day I make a point of getting out in the sun and walking with Cai and Poppy.
I am receiving excellent care for my physical body from a team of doctors at Stanford and UCSF. I am also receiving several different holistic treatments for my emotional and spiritual health. The treatments are helping, and I am feeling much less pain. I am even regaining a little of the weight that I lost.
From my Iboga experience seven years ago, I know for certain that my consciousness and memories will continue after I leave my physical body behind. I have no existential fear of death. Actually more anticipation and curiosity.
At 73 years, I have already lived an amazing and wonderful life. I have loved and been loved, beginning with my remarkable mother who believed in me. With my work at Apple and General Magic I am grateful that I could make positive contributions to the lives of millions of people, and even affect the course of human evolution.
But I want more quality time to share life and experiences with Cai and with my friends and family. My bucket list is not filled with places to travel, but instead with quality time with those I love and who love me.
I am living my life filled with gratitude. Each day is a special gift to be unwrapped, enjoyed, and treasured.
Thank you for praying for me.
Bill AtkinsonBill Atkinson’s Facebook Page
Bill Atkinson is best known for being one of the main players in the early days of Apple Computer, Inc., programming the Quickdraw app for the Lisa and the Macintosh. He was Employee number 51 and joined Apple as a programmer and one of the 30 original members of the Macintosh team.
His legacy at Apple is unparalleled as one of the creators of the Graphical User Interface for the Macintosh as well as his time as one of the three co-founders of the amazing company, General Magic, which created the precursor of the Apple Newton and iPad.
In 1994, he was presented with the The EFF Award, formerly EFF Pioneer Award,[1] is an annual prize by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) for people who have made significant contributions to the empowerment of individuals in using computer.
Originally from Los Gatos, California, Bill is an active nature photographer and enjoys sailing with his wife, Jingwen Cai.
