ASHEVILLE, N.C. (BP)--Evangelist Billy Graham returned home from the hospital May 15 after being admitted with pneumonia, with doctors saying he "has regained strength" but that "his recovery will be slow," according to a hospital statement.
Graham stayed at Mission Hospital Health System in Asheville, N.C., for four nights after being admitted Wednesday, May 11. The 92-year-old Graham lives in nearby Montreat, N.C.
"He has responded very well to treatment, with progressive improvement since his admission," Lucian Rice, Graham's primary care doctor, said in a hospital release. "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."
Doctors said Graham's response to antibiotics was "excellent."
Graham expressed thanks the hospital staff and for the "prayers and best wishes" of people around the world.
"I look forward to returning home and resuming my normal activities soon," he was quoted as saying.
Graham had his usual weekly Bible study and prayer Thursday with his pastor, Don Wilton of First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, S.C., according to Graham's spokesman, A. Larry Ross. Once home, Graham will continue spending time in morning and evening in Bible study and prayer with his family and staff, Ross said in the hospital release.
Compiled by Michael Foust, associate editor of Baptist Press.
Copyright (c) 2011 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
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