041138 McDonald's CEO Voice-Mails FranchiseesNovember 9, 2004Des Moines, IO - Charlie Bell, McDonald's Corp.'s ailing chief executive, returned to his office and taped a voicemail message of encouragement to franchisees. It was the first indication in more than a month of Bell's health. Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in May, the 43-year-old CEO of the Oak Brook, Ill., restaurant chain has been undergoing chemotherapy as well as several surgeries. Rumors have spread among franchisees and the industry in recent weeks about Bell's condition. A company spokeswoman Anna Rozenich declined a request for an update, saying Bell's status was "a personal matter between Charlie, his family, and his doctor." In his message to franchisees, Bell said he was "at my desk here in Oak Brook, looking over the sales results we just posted for the month of October. It is good news on all fronts." After enthusing over the numbers, Bell, who was named to CEO in April following the sudden death of his predecessor, said in his message, "On a personal note, I can't tell you how glad I am to be back in the office. "As I've said before, anyone going through cancer treatment has good days and bad days ... and it is certainly a good day when I can be here communicating with you." Bell also thanked those who had "reached out to me and my family with your thoughts and prayers," saying such support has "been a tremendous source of strength. It helps get me up in the morning." Rozenich confirmed that Bell had been at McDonald's suburban Chicago headquarters the day before. The company's last public advisery on Bell's health was Sept. 28, when it said he had incurred a post-operative "complication" and was continuing to undergo chemotherapy. New York Stock Exchange listed McDonald's shares closed at $30.18, down 2 cents.
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