Zain Nadella, son of Satya and Anupama Nadella passed away on Monday morning. The software giant, Microsoft, informed its executive staff via an email. Zain was 26-year-old and was born with cerebral Palsy.
Microsoft Corp. in the email while sharing the news of the demise urged the staff to give the family space to grieve privately.
Jeff Sperring, CEO of Children’s Hospital wrote in a message, “Zain will be remembered for his eclectic taste in music, his bright sunny smile and the immense joy he brought to his family and all those who loved him.” The Children’s Hospital, headed by Sperrings, is the place where Zain received much of his treatment. Last year it joined with the Nadellas to establish the Zain Nadella Endowed Chair in Pediatric Neurosciences It is a part of Seattle Children’s Center for Integrative Brain Research.
Satya Nadella has worked towards designing products focusing specially on users with disabilities. He often shared his learning in raising and supporting Zain.
Satya And Anupama Nadella
Anu and Satya Nadella got married in 1992. Together they have three kids. Zain was the eldest followed by two daughters. Zain was very passionate about music. In an interview with Good Housekeeping, he said, Zain "was born weighing just three pounds, having suffered asphyxiation in utero; as a result, he is visually impaired, has limited communication and is quadriplegic."
Anupama Nadella on bringing up a child with special needs
In the same interview Anu Nadella on raising a child with special needs said, "Having a child with special needs is isolating. Talking about it opened several doors. This shared experience with similar families was invaluable. In accessing programs for children with disabilities I met exceptional people involved in helping others. This support system not only embraced our family but also taught us to step in to help others — sometimes just by listening."
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