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Steve Jobs Explains His Health Problem: "Hormone Imbalance"; Predicts Recovery by Spring, Will Stay on as CEO
Posted Jan 05, 2009 08:59am EST by Peter Kafka in Investing, Computers, Newsmakers
From All Things Digital, Jan. 5, 2008:
Here’s an extraordinary memo that just crossed the wires from Apple (AAPL) CEO Steve Jobs, addressing the long-running speculation about his health:
Letter From Apple CEO Steve Jobs
Dear Apple Community,
For the first time in a decade, I’m getting to spend the holiday season with my family, rather than intensely preparing for a Macworld keynote.
Unfortunately, my decision to have Phil deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed.
I’ve decided to share something very personal with the Apple community so that we can all relax and enjoy the show tomorrow.
As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008. The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my #1 priority.
Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause — a hormone imbalance that has been “robbing” me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.
The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I’ve already begun treatment. But, just like I didn’t lose this much weight and body mass in a week or a month, my doctors expect it will take me until late this Spring to regain it. I will continue as Apple’s CEO during my recovery.
I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continue to fulfill my duties as Apple’s CEO. I hope the Apple community will support me in my recovery and know that I will always put what is best for Apple first.
So now I’ve said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.
Steve
Follow-up statement from the Apple board of directors:
It is widely recognized both inside and outside of Apple that Steve Jobs is one of the most talented and effective CEOs in the world.
As we have said before, if there ever comes a day when Steve wants to retire or for other reasons cannot continue to fulfill his duties as Apple’s CEO, you will know it.
Apple is very lucky to have Steve as its leader and CEO, and he deserves our complete and unwavering support during his recuperation. He most certainly has that from Apple and its Board.
36 Comments
Karthik - Monday January 05, 2009 09:14AM EST
Feel better Steve! Hope this will keep Blodget and other inquisitive people from talking about Steve's health (which is nobodys business).
Yahoo! Finance User - Monday January 05, 2009 09:16AM EST
So it's clear. Let's buy some stock
william - Monday January 05, 2009 09:21AM EST
Glad to hear it is not serious, now will all the fools sitting on the sidelines invest cash in the market and earn money or leave it "buried" at a loss?
Clem - Monday January 05, 2009 09:26AM EST
The shorts are going to be squeezed big time now! The investment "pros" who jumped off the Apple bus -- or who never were on it-- are going to regret making Apple one of their top two tech short plays for 2009. (See Investopedia website, and you'll see one of the biggest foolish "pros," but there are plenty more Apple shorts (hello, CNBC Fast Money) who are going to lose millions today! I love the fact they are going to lose after showing their hubris, and in such a short time (pun intended) after making their short recommendations!
michael - Monday January 05, 2009 09:27AM EST
Steve, I am glad science can cure you of this imbalance, very glad to hear the good news! Seeing you at Macworld 6 years in a row was a complete thrill, I hope to see you deliver another keynote somewhere, sometime. Until then looking forward to the more great products! PS. Any chance of a 30 LED matte screen?
Reedersong - Monday January 05, 2009 09:39AM EST
half a gallon of milk, a bag of chocolate chip cookies, and a lot of football on TV.
Alfie - Monday January 05, 2009 11:03AM EST
Just hang in! It's just one of your challenges and I know you'll overcome it just like the rest you had before. I salute you for all the accomplishments that you've done for Apple.
JamesD - Monday January 05, 2009 11:03AM EST
Most of us could probably use that hormone imbalance, just for a month or two after the holidays. :-) Glad to hear he (and Apple's pps) will now start gaining some heft.
Kalim - Monday January 05, 2009 11:07AM EST
Many well-wishes to Steve Jobs! Viva La Apple!
sal - Monday January 05, 2009 11:09AM EST
Steve, A healthy & Happy New Year to you & yours!
Charmaine - Monday January 05, 2009 11:15AM EST
Alright Steve, I'm glad i read my e-mail today. You have just helped me to understand why i have been losing weight too!!!!!!! I am very active people person. I help do care for senior citizen's and try to help people in my community to stay focused and healthy when i should been taken my own advise. Proud of you.
Yahoo! Finance User - Monday January 05, 2009 11:15AM EST
Thank you for being candid about your health Steve, Wishing you a speedy and healthy recovery.
Alexander - Monday January 05, 2009 11:44AM EST
I regret that Mr. Jobs did not deign to reveal the actual NAME of this medical condition which he is suffering, so that we could all go to wikipedia, look it up, and draw our own conclusions.
floyd - Monday January 05, 2009 11:47AM EST
Glad to hear you and your genious mind are OK Steve. Hope the recovery is ahead of schedule. BUY BUY BUY!!!!!!
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Mike - Monday January 05, 2009 09:10AM EST
Thanks, Steve. God bless you, and we all hope you have a speedy recovery! It wouldn't hurt to start planning a long term transition and start getting us ready for the next leader, but we hope it doesn't happen for decades! We'll have you in our prayers, just like I know you have us in yours. Take care!