Perilous
Times
Evangelist Billy Graham is released from the hospital
By the CNN Wire Staff
May 15, 2011 4:24 p.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
His physician says Graham has responded very well to treatment
The 92-year-old minister had developed pneumonia
Graham is expected to continue his recovery at home
He has preached to millions over six decades
(CNN) -- Evangelist Billy Graham was at home Sunday after being
discharged from an Asheville, North Carolina, hospital where he
was treated for pneumonia, the hospital said.
The 92-year old minister was admitted to the Mission Hospital
early on Wednesday and returned to his home in the nearby town of
Montreat, North Carolina, Sunday afternoon. His physicians said
Graham's response to treatment has been good, but stressed his
recovery will be slow.
"He has responded very well to treatment, with progressive
improvement since his admission," said Lucian Rice, 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."
During his hospital stay, Graham watched television and remained
in good spirits, spokesman A. Larry Ross said. He was visited
Wednesday evening by his eldest daughter, Gigi, and met with his
pastor, Dr. Don Wilton, Thursday morning.
Ross said Graham will look forward to visits from close friends
once he is stronger.
Graham has been hospitalized or treated for several ailments over
the years, including a head surgery, a fall, intestinal bleeding,
prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease. According to Ross, Graham
has remained in good health overall.
Age-related conditions -- including macular degeneration and
hearing loss -- have kept Graham at home in recent years, but the
evangelist is involved in writing projects, including a manuscript
for a book about aging, Ross said.
The founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has
preached to millions of people over six decades, and has provided
counsel to U.S. presidents, beginning with President Harry S.
Truman.
Graham's wife, Ruth Bell Graham, died in 2007.