Bill Graham Health Updates

Billy Graham was admitted into hospital on Wednesday, May 11th, 2011 for medical assessment, following a health episode. Initial testing concluded pneumonia.  For further details click read more.  Our prayers are with Mr. Graham and his family during this time.

"He has responded very well to treatment, with progressive improvement since his admission," said Lucian Rice, MD, Mr. Graham's primary care physician. "We expect continuing recuperation at home with very gradual recovery, returning to normal activities over several weeks. I'm delighted that he has come back this fast."

Dr. Rice noted that Mr. Graham had experienced no complications as of his discharge. "It's a really encouraging sign," he said.

Upon leaving, Mr. Graham thanked the hospital staff for the care they have given him.

"I am grateful for this wonderful hospital so close to my home," Mr. Graham said. "The physicians and staff have shown such skill and compassionate care. I am deeply touched by the prayers and best wishes of so many people for me, and I look forward to returning home and resuming my normal activities soon."

During his hospital stay, Mr. Graham was able to continue with his usual routine, said A. Larry Ross, spokesperson for Mr. Graham. He had his usual weekly Bible study and prayer with his pastor, Dr. Don Wilton, on Thursday. He further enjoyed visits from one of his daughters and a grandchild, and interacting with hospital staff.

Ross added that during his time of recuperation at home, Mr. Graham will continue spending time in morning and evening Bible study and prayer with family and staff. He plans to keep informed of the ongoing ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) under the leadership of his son, Franklin. As he has done in the hospital, he also hopes to continue to stay abreast of current events through nightly local and network television newscasts and cable programs. And, as his strength allows, he looks forward to eventually being able to receive visits from close personal friends.

May 13, 2011 - Nurses at Mission Hospital report this morning that Mr. Graham remains in fair condition and that his night was more comfortable. No discharge date has been set.

According to Mr. Graham's pastor, Dr. Don Wilton, who visited with him Thursday, Mr. Graham is engaged in current events and focused on ministry activities.

During their visit, said Dr. Wilton, Mr. Graham was particularly concerned about the recent flooding of the Mississippi River and had compassion in his heart for many individuals in neighboring states who have suffered devastating loss.

Dr. Wilton commented that Mr. Graham took great delight in discussing the national preaching conference held at their home church this week, in which two of his grandsons, Tullian Tchividjian and Will Graham participated. They further discussed the Christ-centered nature of the Gospel and the conference theme, "The Power of the Cross."

As they do together regularly each week, Dr. Wilton also had opportunity to share in a daily Bible reading with Mr. Graham out of his favorite devotional book. As his pastor would read a passage of Scripture, the evangelist would complete the verse quotation.

Thursday's topic was "The Love of God," which the evangelist said was why Jesus went to the Cross and why we, as believers, feel compelled to share the Gospel message around the world. They closed in a "sweet time of prayer" together -- for Mr. Graham's care-givers and in reciprocation for all those who had been praying for him.

MAY 12, 2011

As he continues to recover at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC, Billy Graham took a moment to express his appreciation for the outpouring of love and prayers. "Thank you for your wonderful support and prayers for my recovery," he said. "I am doing better with each passing hour, and I am grateful for your concern, and send in return my appreciation and love for you all."

Mr. Graham, who is hospitalized at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. near his home in Montreat, had a comfortable night and was able to sleep well, his nurses reported today. He is listed in fair condition.

Mr. Graham's pulmonologist, Shaw C. Henderson, MD, confirmed this morning that he does have pneumonia, as indicated by initial tests, and that his temperature is normal. Dr. Henderson said that Mr. Graham is doing well and is being encouraged to resume his normal activities, including his ongoing program of physical therapy. No discharge date has been set.

During his stay, Mr. Graham has engaged in watching television and joking with hospital staff. He was visited last evening by his eldest daughter, Gigi, and met this morning with his pastor, Dr. Don Wilton.

Through his spokesperson, A. Larry Ross, Mr. Graham expressed his appreciation for the media interest in his condition and his gratitude for the outpouring of love, concern and prayers of so many individuals across the country.

"Appropriate antibiotics are being administered, and he is clinically stable at this time," pulmonologist Shaw C. Henderson, MD said early Wednesday afternoon.

Though no date has been set for his release, Mr. Graham's primary physician confirmed his condition with a positive report. "He is resting comfortably and is fully alert," said Lucian Rice, MD.

"Mr. Graham has great confidence in the Mission Hospital medical team, and is already feeling much better since his arrival this morning," said A. Larry Ross, spokesperson for Mr. Graham. "We anticipate his pneumonia to clear with treatment and hope he will be able to soon return home."

Ross indicated Mr. Graham had episodes of sweating and coughing. "He had a slight fever and experienced difficulty breathing. But he was never in any distress or in an acute situation."

According to Ross, Mr. Graham has remained in good overall health with a strong heart and a clear mind, though age-related conditions – such as macular degeneration and hearing loss – have kept him mostly at home in recent years.

But he continues to be involved in writing projects, including completing a manuscript for a new book on aging, based on his personal experience, and the necessary emotional and spiritual preparation for what he has found to be the most fulfilling years of life.

Ross added that the evangelist also spends time each morning and evening in Bible study and prayer with family and staff; receives personal visits from close friends; keeps informed of the ongoing ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) under the leadership of his son, Franklin; and stays abreast of current events through nightly local and network television newscasts and cable programs.

Although this condition is not life-threatening, we are sure Mr. Graham and his family would appreciate your prayers.

Tweet

• Prev
• Next