Evangelist Billy Graham has been hospitalized at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., near his home in Montreat, for evaluation and treatment of his lungs. Upon admittance, he was alert, smiling and waving at hospital staff.
Graham’s personal physician, Dr. Lucian Rice, M.D., reports that his condition is stable. The pulmonologist treating Graham, Dr. Mark Hellreich, M.D., said he is being tested for possible pneumonia.
Graham was previously hospitalized for successful treatment of pneumonia in May 2011. He resumed his ongoing program of physical therapy and normal activity shortly after release, according to his staff. This included finalizing his most recent book, Nearing Home, published in October, and beginning work on a new project reaffirming the evangelistic message he has preached for more than 60 years.
While no date has been set for discharge, Graham is looking forward to returning home to spend the upcoming Christmas holidays with his family.
