Billy Graham Continues to Respond to Treatment
Nurses report that Billy Graham is resting comfortably in stable condition after a second restful night at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., where he is being treated for a bronchitis infection.
“Mr. Graham continues to do well and the infection is responding well to treatment,” said Mission Hospital pulmonologist, David Pucci, DO.
Longtime Billy Graham spokesman A. Larry Ross said that Graham is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving at Mission Hospital, as well as the prayers of so many individuals for his recovery.
“He is looking forward to returning home later this week for additional care and physical therapy and to resume his involvement in ministry and writing projects,” Ross adds.
The 93-year-old evangelist watched the closing ceremony of the London Olympics from his bed on Sunday evening. “The ceremony brought back fond memories of various crusades Mr. Graham held in the U.K. and in Rio de Janeiro, the host city for the next Summer Olympics, over seven decades of public ministry,” says Ross.
After being admitted to Mission Hospital early Sunday morning, Graham spent part of the morning watching his grandson, Will Graham, on television preaching at First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C. Later, he enjoyed a visit from his daughter, Gigi, and one of his grandchildren. They ate lunch together and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon.
No date has been set for discharge, but physicians are hopeful that Mr. Graham will continue his rapid rate of recovery and will be able to return home soon.
Graham was previously hospitalized for successful treatment of pneumonia in November 2011. He resumed his ongoing program of physical therapy and normal activity shortly after his release, according to his staff.
Staff further report that Graham has remained in good overall health the past year, though he continues to remain at home due to age-related conditions. He remains actively involved in ministry and is nearing completion of a manuscript for a new book summarizing his gospel message over the past seven decades of public ministry.
