89-year-old Evangelist Hopes to Return Home Later Today
Oct. 11, 2008 -- For more information call :
Merrell Gregory, Mission Hospital:
828.213-4806 Office
828.207-2470 Pager
828.778-9040 Cell
merrell.gregory@msj.org
A. Larry Ross,
Director Media/Public Relations for Billy Graham
972.267-1111 Office
469.774-6362 Cell (wknd)
alr@alarryross.com
Asheville, NC, Saturday, October 11, 2008, 7:30 a.m. (EDT) -- Billy Graham experienced a fall late Friday when he tripped over one of his three dogs at his home in Montreat, N.C., and was admitted last night for observation at Mission Hospital in nearby Asheville. He is listed in fair condition and his physicians report that x-rays showed no broken bones.
Following his evaluation, Mr. Graham was offered the choice of being released or remaining in the hospital overnight for additional observation. He chose to stay rather than make the trip back home, due to the lateness of the hour.
Mr. Graham’s staff members say that he has discomfort and bruising, but is able to move freely and hopes to return home later today. He asked Mission to release the fact that he is hospitalized and to provide information about his progress. According to his nurses, Mr. Graham had an uneventful night and was able to sleep.
The 89-year-old evangelist has had several previous hospitalizations at Mission, most recently in February 2008 for elective replacement of the brain shunt that maintains normal pressure within his head.
Mr. Graham will celebrate his 90th birthday on Nov. 7.
