UPDATE: Evangelist Billy Graham returns to Montreat home after two days at Mission Hospital

During the early morning of Aug. 12, evangelist Billy Graham was admitted to Mission Hospital for treatment and evaluation of bronchitis. Now, after his two-day stay at Mission Hospital, Graham has returned to his home in Montreat where he will continue his routine, according to a media statement from Mission Health. Graham is 93 years old. Full statements and updates during his stay can be found below.

Update 3:50 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14:

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 14, 2012) – Evangelist Billy Graham returned to his home in Montreat, Tuesday following a two-day stay at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C . Mr. Graham was admitted to the hospital early Sunday morning and was treated for bronchitis.

“Mr. Graham had a quick recovery and responded very well to his treatment,” said Daniel Fertel, MD, Mission Hospital pulmonologist. “Catching these types of pulmonary infections early is crucial for a fast recovery, as was the case for Mr. Graham. Despite this illness he remains remarkably healthy for a 93-year-old man.”

Mr. Graham kept his routine and enjoyed visits from family members while also interacting with medical staff that put him in good spirits throughout his stay.

“I am grateful for the exceptional care I received at Mission Hospital,” said Mr. Graham. “It is never easy going to the hospital, but the doctors and nurses here provided me with wonderful care. Mission Hospital employs a dedicated team of professionals that administered prompt treatment to restore my health and allow me to return home quickly.”

“I am also grateful for the prayers and letters I received from people across the country and around the world during my short stay,” Mr. Graham continued. “Such an outpouring of love and support is always a blessing but was especially appreciated during my hospitalization.”

Mr. Graham’s staff reports that he will continue with his usual care and physical therapy at home. He will resume his involvement in ministry and writing projects and is currently writing a book about his past seven decades of public ministry.

About Mission Hospital

Mission Hospital, the flagship hospital of Mission Health, is a not-for-profit hospital that serves as the regional referral center for tertiary and quaternary care in western North Carolina and the adjoining region. Mission Hospital is the busiest surgical hospital in North Carolina and houses the region’s only dedicated Level II trauma center. Mission Hospital has seven Centers of Excellence: cardiology, pediatrics, orthopedics, oncology, women’s services, neurology and trauma. In 2012 Thomson Reuters named Mission Hospital as a Top 100 Hospital for the fourth consecutive year, and Professional Research Consultants ranked Mission Hospital in the top 15% nationally in patient satisfaction. Mission Hospital is licensed for 730 beds and employs more than 6,500 people, including over 1,800 RNs, and is the region’s only Children’s Hospital. Mission Hospital is committed to serving its community and improving the health and wellness of the people of western North Carolina.

Update 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13:

Evangelist Billy Graham remains in stable condition, and continues to improve steadily at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C. No date has been set for discharge, but with his continued improvement physicians are hopeful he will be released soon. Mr. Graham was admitted to Mission Hospital early Sunday morning and is being treated for a bronchitis infection.

Update 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 13:

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 13, 2012) – Evangelist Billy Graham remains at Mission Hospital where he is being treated for a bronchitis infection. Mr. Graham is still in stable condition.

Nurses report that Mr. Graham rested well during his first night at Mission Hospital in Asheville, and that, as of early Monday, he is up having breakfast and doing fine.

“Mr. Graham continues to do well and the infection is responding well to treatment,” said Mission Hospital pulmonologist, David Pucci, DO.

Graham spokesman, A. Larry Ross, confirmed that 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 UK and in Rio de Janeiro, the host city for the next Summer Olympics, over seven decades of public ministry,” said Ross.

After being admitted to Mission Hospital early Sunday morning, Mr. 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.

Update 4:16 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12:

Update: Evangelist Billy Graham in Mission Hospital

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 12, 2012) – Evangelist Billy Graham continues to rest comfortably at Mission Hospital where he is being treated for a bronchitis infection. Mr. Graham remains in stable condition and will spend the night in the hospital.

This morning, Mr. Graham watched is 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 Mr. Graham is looking forward to returning home to his family.

From the press release from Mission Hospital:

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 12, 2012) – Evangelist Billy Graham was admitted overnight to Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., near his home in Montreat, for evaluation and treatment of a pulmonary infection thought to be bronchitis. Upon admission, he was alert and in good spirits.

The pulmonologist treating Mr. Graham, David Pucci, DO, said that he is resting comfortably, that appropriate antibiotics are being administered and that his condition is stable.

Mr. 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 the 93-year-old evangelist has remained in good overall health the past year, though he continues to remain at home due to age-related conditions. However, Mr. Graham remains actively involved in ministry and writing projects, including near completion of a manuscript for a new book summarizing his Gospel message over the past seven decades of public ministry.

While no date has been set for discharge, Mr. Graham is looking forward to returning home to his family.

About Mission Hospital

Mission Hospital, the flagship hospital of Mission Health, is a not-for-profit hospital that serves as the regional referral center for tertiary and quaternary care in western North Carolina and the adjoining region. Mission Hospital is the busiest surgical hospital in North Carolina and houses the region’s only dedicated Level II trauma center. Mission Hospital has seven Centers of Excellence: cardiology, pediatrics, orthopedics, oncology, women’s services, neurology and trauma. In 2012 Thomson Reuters named Mission Hospital as a Top 100 Hospital for the fourth consecutive year, and Professional Research Consultants ranked Mission Hospital in the top 15% nationally in patient satisfaction. Mission Hospital is licensed for 730 beds and employs more than 6,500 people, including over 1,800 RNs, and is the region’s only Children’s Hospital. Mission Hospital is committed to serving its community and improving the health and wellness of the people of western North Carolina.