Physicist Hawking Gravely Ill
Written by Nancy Atkinson
Stephen Hawking. Credit: NASA
Famed theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking has been rushed to a hospital and is seriously ill. Cambridge University released information today that Hawking has been fighting a chest infection for several weeks, and was taken to a hospital in Cambridge."Professor Hawking is very ill," said Gregory Hayman, the university's head of communications. "He is undergoing tests. He has been unwell for a couple of weeks." Hawking, 67, is well known for his work on black holes, and has remained active despite being diagnosed at 21 with ALS, (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), an incurable degenerative disorder also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
For several years, Hawking has been almost entirely paralyzed, and he communicates through an electronic voice synthesizer.
"Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague. We all hope he will be amongst us again soon," said Professor Peter Haynes, head of the university's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.
Hawking had canceled an appearance at Arizona State University on April 6 because of his illness.
He announced last year that he would step down from his post as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, a title once held by the great 18th century physicist Isaac Newton, and the end of this academic year. However, the university said Hawking intended to continue working as Emeritus Lucasian Professor of Mathematics.
Hawking has described himself as "lucky" despite his disease[29]. Its slow progression has allowed him time to make influential discoveries and it has not hindered him from having a very full life.
Source: Yahoo News
Filed under: Physics
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April 20th, 2009 at 10:11 am
When you have a physical disability and have been told you have a "use-by date" is a difficult thing to comprehend and personally deal with. From my general understanding, Stephen Hawking has more than DOUBLED his time allotted by the medical doctors and previous clinical histories.
Hawking has shown that limitation as disability is no barrier – being an inspiration beyond his academic brilliance – to those without the mental or physical infirmities that limits one's true potential.
As one who already suffers from a neurological degenerative disease – Becker muscular dystrophy – I already his life has been an personal inspiration.
While academia will one day soon morn the lost of a brilliant and creative mind, equally will those who sees his own life as a message of meaning against adversity and their own beacon of hope. We should gracefully acknowledge his significant contribution already made to the world, and celebrate the capacity of human endurance against all the odds.
Let's hope the news is only another difficult hump that needs to be overcome. If not, how lucky are we to live during the time of such an individual !
Either way be are all his beneficiaries – a legacy that will still continue to go on in the centuries too come.
April 20th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Good luck, Dr. Hawking!
April 20th, 2009 at 10:32 am
This is sad news for sure. I really hope he will make a good recovery, because Hawking is sure one of the greatest beings on this planet.
April 20th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Actually given that Hawking was diagnosed with ALS (MND) at the age of 21, he has lived at least fifteen times longer than his doctors expected him to (2-3 years).
My best wishes to him and his friends and family. He has done more than most when it comes to increasing our understanding of how the universe works, and I very much hope he will be able to continue his work.
April 20th, 2009 at 11:06 am
My best wishes, Dr. Hawking.
April 20th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
There are many good things that could be said about such a person but one that rings loudest in my ears is persistence. He could have enshrouded himself in self pity but instead he has done what none thought possible and that is to survive…His legacy as an inspiration to many and a sage of an era of vast oppurtunities will forever have a place in history..
April 20th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Stephen Hawking, here's me, sending all positive thoughts your way. Get well soon!
April 20th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
The best wishes in the world Dr Hawking, get well soon.
April 20th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I wish u a fast recovery back to health, Professor. Today's world (specially the youth) should take inspiration from your life, and make a better place for us all to live in.
April 20th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
It is indeed sad news, but again he did not only exceeded his predicted lifetime he also crossed many barriers going to places where not even a noen-handicapped person have evenr been.
I hope he does recover, though, maybe he has some more to offer to this world
April 20th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
really hope he is ok
April 20th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I have marvelled at how Hawking has been able to achieve great work and overcome his ALS. Most people die within five years of diagnosis. I have often wondered to what extent his pure force of will have played in working around ALS.
I have thought that eventually he would face the terminal phase of ALS and associated problems. It has always been clear he would not live to a "ripe old age." He will be missed.
Lawrence B. Crowell
April 20th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
What an amazing man.
Thank you Dr Hawking.
April 20th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Keep kicking on son! We need more physicists like him – deep thinkers with a passion and skill for communicating bleeding-edge science with the public.
April 20th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Get well soon Dr. Hawking.
April 20th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
A very speedy recovery Dr. Hawking!
April 20th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
We can only hope (and pray, if you're so inclined) for the fullest possible recovery. Theoretical physics would not be quite as interesting, without him…
April 20th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
I'm pretty sure Dr. Hawking is not allowed to die, ever. Get well soon!
April 21st, 2009 at 1:19 am
It's really amazing how he's survived this terrible disease this far while also managing to achieve one of the higher purposes in life: to enlighten others and to leave an undying legacy.
A truly remarkable man. You have our gratitude, Dr. Hawking. Hope he can overcome this new threat as well.
April 21st, 2009 at 4:11 am
Get well soon Dr. Hawking!
April 21st, 2009 at 5:20 am
God Bless You, Stephen Hawking. You will live FOREVER, playing poker with Data, Einstein, and Sir Isaac on the Enterprise in Star Trek Next Generation. You will be in inspiration to generations.
April 21st, 2009 at 5:26 am
Just been announced on TV here in the UK that he is in a very stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.
April 21st, 2009 at 6:13 am
He is the prime example of making the best of a situation, and possibly discovering talents that might have been ignored had those adversities not existed.
He is one of our greates minds, and I hope he has a speedy recovery.
April 21st, 2009 at 8:37 am
Dr. Hawking is an inspiration. He's been through a lot and still has a sense of humour about life in general.
A very courageous man! I only wish I could be as courageous as him.
Pull through Dr. There's a lot of science left to do!
April 21st, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Hang in there Stephen! The whole world is praying for you.
The amount of knowledge he has contributed in the past several decades can never be equaled and for that we owe him our utmost gratitude and respect!!
April 21st, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Dr Hawking,
Though I am not a math student at this time. I have read many of your works and greatly learned alot from them. My prayers are with you for your recovery.