Evangelist Billy Graham hospitalized for pneumonia

ASHEVILLE, N.C.  Evangelist Billy Graham was admitted today to Mission Hospital in Asheville, a short distance from his home in Montreat, for observation and pulmonary treatment.

The 92-year-old evangelist arrived at Mission Hospital this morning for medical assessment, following a health episode overnight. Initial testing suggested pneumonia, and further diagnostic studies showed his heart was normal.

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

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

"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, Graham spokesperson. "We anticipate his pneumonia to clear with treatment and hope he will be able to soon return home."

According to Ross, 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. Graham also stays abreast of current events through nightly local and network television newscasts and cable programs, Ross said.