That is tough to hear. I've never met Mike Moritz but he has had a notable impact on my life. I read an interview once where he said that he likes to invest in people under 30. When I heard that in my mid-20s I made it a point to move to silicon valley as soon as I could.
Whenever people would ask why I had this irrational sense of urgency of leaving Chicago (where I was doing my first startup) I would say "Ever heard of this guy Mike Moritz? He said they don't like to invest people over 30 and i'm already 26!" Of course it was me just rationalizing but nonetheless it's the first thing that comes to my mind when I hear anything about Mike. Like Napoleon said, "Everything on earth is soon forgotten, except the opinion we leave imprinted on history"
I remember emailing Mike more than 10 years ago (as an aspiring high school student) about getting an internship at Sequoia and getting a very thoughtful response from him. In hindsight, I'm surprised I even received a response.
Any clue what that condition may be? I hate to be that nosey guy but it's just human nature to wonder when someone drops a bomb like that but doesn't give you much else to go on. Do you think it'll be disclosed later? That's really shocking sad news but if it's manageable like he says I wonder if maybe his wealth will shield him by allowing him to get the best treatment and stave it off for a real long time.
I'm kicking myself for writing this but I just can't help it. Curiosity is killing me here. The way it implies that it's incurable but manageable to the point of still being able to work is making my mind jump to different diseases that are incurable but manageable. I hope I'm very wrong but the first thing I thought of was HIV/AIDS. I just keep thinking of Magic Johnson and how he retired from basketball but is still doing very well almost 30 years later presumably because of his access to the best treatments. When Jobs was diagnosed with cancer we knew from the start it was cancer. When a public figure like Moritz makes an announcement like this but doesn't disclose the disease I'd guess it's either simply because he wants his privacy or because whatever disease he has may have a stigma attached like HIV does.
When it comes to things like this even the most famous of people deserve their right to privacy be respected. That said, I feel like it isn't too common for such people to drop big news like this and not say what the disease is which is why I jumped to wondering if it's a disease that carries a stigma. God, I feel like such a dick writing this. It's a real sensitive topic, I know. Maybe someone has some more information somehow though? Anyone?
I don't think it's HIV. HIV is nowadays more of chronic "condition". Since the modern drugs were introduced quite "recently" we don't really have any hard facts on the impact on life expectancy but the prognosis is good.
When he says his quality of life is likely to decrease I think maybe neurodegenerative disease... Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's etc... This is pure speculation.
I hope no one is offended by this post. It's pure speculation based on the wording of the letter and Mr. Mortiz has of course every right to privacy.
Speaking of neurodegenerative diseases, could also be a very mild case of Huntington's. Average age of onset is 39, I think, but for very mild cases it can start as late as 60(or even never manifest at all except in offspring).
"if it's a disease that carries a stigma. God, I feel like such a dick writing this."
Not disclosing something that carries a stigma could fall under the "better to be thought a fool then to open your mouth and remove all doubt" type thinking about information disclosure.
But it could also be in the opposite direction. (And I'm thinking clearly hypothetical for the purpose of a discussion on the "stigma" topic you raised.) Could be something underwhelming with no stigma and a chance to garner sympathy.
(Keep all hands off the downvote button). I'm not
saying that is what he is doing. I'm simply pointing out that people also act in this way.
As an aside Kara Swisher referred recently to the fact that she had "a stroke" which gave people the impression she had the type of stroke that you really fear (with paralysis etc.) But Kara actually had a TIA which is a "mini" stroke that quickly went away - not the type people think of when they hear that (same as when people hear "Doctor" they generally think "Physician" and not "Phd".
He chose not to disclose it for a reason, I'd respect his rights to privacy.
If he wished to, Mr. Moritz could bring considerable attention and resources to the issue. Perhaps he is waiting for the right moments to do so.
HIV/AIDS is unlikely for a couple of reasons. First, it isn't exactly rare. Second, quality of life can be maintained for quite a while with modern treatments.
"He chose not to disclose it for a reason, I'd respect his rights to privacy."
But he did in a way disclose more than he had to. He didn't have to say he was suffering from an incurable disease. He's not the CEO of a public company. He could have simply said he wanting to cut back because of either "personal" or "health" reasons that he'd rather not talk about.
If he wants privacy he revealed TMI, info "incurable" that will only lead to more speculation.
I regret mentioning HIV. I just thought stigma and that's what popped in my head first. And yeah, I do wish to respect that privacy and if he's not going to say it then I wouldn't press him. But it is natural to really wonder when you read a letter like that. I really hope what I said wasn't offensive. I had no bad intentions in writing it. I just got that feeling you get when someone comes up and tells you "I have a secret but I'm not telling". I don't feel it's wrong to wonder and even ask if somebody knows more but if it is then I'm honestly sorry in advance and I really do wish him the very best and hope he stays well and continues to do the great work he loves doing for a long time to come.
This is one of those things that I'm happy to give people their privacy on.
Last year I went through this with a parent, and there were so many times it was easier just to say, "my mom's not well." I understand why people would want to know with what, but it's not like the questions end there. I just didn't need to have another conversation about what glioblastoma multiform is, or how one gets it, or all the things I knew about median survival times, treatment options, probable symptoms that go with fatal brain tumors, et cetera, ad nauseam.
If he wants to say, he'll say. Otherwise, I think we should honor his request for privacy. Dying is not an easy thing.
This is very sad. I've only met him at a few events, and through his writing (The Little Kingdom, a classic), but he has done a lot to make silicon valley what it is today.
I hope he is right about remaining healthy for a long time, or is wrong about it being "incurable".
I've only met Mr Moritz once and feel very lucky to have spent a short amount of time one to one with him. I seriously hope that he stays healthy for a long time to come.
I once had an opportunity to present to Mr. Moritz (just last year). He adores the idea of entrepreneurship, and idolize great entrepreneur in general.
He was friendly, and very, very nice to our team. Gave us some ideas on what we should work on as well. He's one of the top tier person in the valley I feel completely comfortable talking to, and not feeling intimidated at all.
