Photo Credit: The Sydney Morning HeraldAs I found through Crenk, you can see Jobs' letter below:
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
That is a great picture. I've been looking for something like that for this news.
ReplyDeleteI'm sad to see him go. Don't expect him to ever come back full time. At best, he can maintain the brand the way Bill Gates is trying to.
@the weakonomist I too, am sad to see him go. I can only assume it's pressing on him to be constantly heckled about his health, let alone run his company. I think we're all waiting in anticipation as he is well liked and respected. Thanks for stopping by and I'm sure we'll both stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteThanks for finding this, and for sharing it. I had heard about it but so far hadn't found it anywhere. I hope he comes back -- brilliant work he's orchestrated these last years.
ReplyDelete@Errant Glad you could stop by and I couldn't agree more--I hope Jobs comes back, as well.
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't look well at all. I hope he gets his health issues resolved. Sad.
ReplyDelete@Dave I agree, it's too bad his health is problematic right now. I hope that taking time off does him well. He's got a lot of people rooting for him...
ReplyDeleteI hpe steve jobs will be back soon to Apple !
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the above comments that I hope everything is alright. On the business side of things, Apple has to separate him from the brand because this roller coaster with his health is killing investor faith in the company.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm sure he's not going to like it, I think Steve Jobs has to fade into the background and let the rest of the company become the 'innovation superstar' or else its going to keep bleeding with every health scare he has.
@kevrichard that's a good point: separation between Apple as a brand and Steve Jobs. Interestingly enough, I always put the two together because the brand is so strong, and involves a story (that is Steve Jobs). These issues are hard, but I am looking forward to seeing how it unfolds and of course, wishing him good health. Thanks for the comments!
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