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See what remarkable builders and entrepreneurs achieved at age 81
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Notable Achievements at Age 81
Diagnosed with stage I prostate cancer
Announced diagnosis and planned 44-day radiation treatment beginning mid-July 2012.
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in recognition of contributions to business and philanthropy.
Awarded Franklin Institute Bower Award for Business Leadership
Received the Franklin Institute's 2009 Bower Award for Business Leadership for 50 years in energy and philanthropy.
Computer History Museum Fellow Award
Received the Computer History Museum Fellow Award honoring individuals whose computing ideas changed the world (award ceremony Apr 28, 2017).
On cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
In May 2023 became the oldest woman (age 81) to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Portrayed in Hulu miniseries The Dropout
Kurtwood Smith portrayed David Boies in the Hulu dramatization of the Theranos saga.
Over 3,000 internal emails released via FOIA
In early June 2021, more than 3,000 internal government emails (Jan–June 2020) sent by Fauci were released to media via FOIA requests.
Donated €320 million to Spanish public healthcare for cancer
Largest donation by his foundation to date (€320M) to buy cancer detection and treatment equipment across Spain.
Sold Fontainebleau Las Vegas for $600M (Aug 2017)
Sold the unfinished Fontainebleau Resort Las Vegas for $600 million in Aug 2017, reportedly more than four times his purchase price.
Featured in 'Women of NASA' LEGO set
The LEGO 'Women of NASA' set featuring Hamilton (with her Apollo code stack) went on sale in 2017 as a public tribute.
Temporary conservatorship granted to daughter Kerri
On May 12, 2014 Kerri Kasem was granted temporary conservatorship over her father despite stepmother's objection; court ordered probe into his whereabouts.
Removed from Santa Monica nursing home by wife Jean
Jean Kasem removed Casey from his Santa Monica nursing home on May 7, 2014, triggering legal action by his children.
Found in Washington state by court investigators
After the court ordered an investigation into his whereabouts, Kasem was located in Washington state (May 2014).
Court denies children's conservatorship petition
A November 2013 court denied Kasem's children's petition for conservatorship over their father.
Family protest over access to Kasem
On October 1, 2013 Kasem's older children protested outside his home seeking access amid reports his wife was preventing visitors.
Named AACR Academy Fellow (Class of 2013)
Elected as a Fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research Academy, acknowledging lifetime contributions.
Reported to hold ~10% of Nintendo shares; Japan's wealthiest (est. $7.8B)
As of 2008 Yamauchi retained a significant Nintendo stake (~10%) and was ranked Japan's wealthiest person with estimated fortune of $7.8 billion.
💡 What this means for you
At age 81, you're at a pivotal point where many successful entrepreneurs made their breakthrough. Whether you're building your first company or scaling an existing one, these examples show what's possible with focus and execution.
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