Evangelist Billy Graham hospitalized

Evangelist Billy Graham has been admitted to a North Carolina hospital for evaluation and treatment of possible pneumonia. NBC's Brian Williams reports.

By msnbc.com staff

Evangelist Billy Graham has been admitted to a North Carolina hospital for evaluation and treatment of possible pneumonia. The 93-year-old preacher was last hospitalized in May for five days with pneumonia.

Graham served as an adviser to presidents and toured the world for his famous crusades. He now spends much of his time at home near Asheville and occasionally meets with Christian leaders and old friends.

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?Here is the statement?from the evangelist's organization:

Asheville, NC, November 30, 2011 ?-- Evangelist Billy Graham has been hospitalized at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., near his home in Montreat, for evaluation and treatment of his lungs. Upon admittance, he was alert, smiling and waving at hospital staff.

Mr. Graham's personal physician, Lucian Rice, MD, said that Mr. Graham's condition is stable. The pulmonologist treating Mr. Graham, Mark Hellreich, M.D., said that Mr. Graham is being tested for possible pneumonia.

?Mr. Graham was previously hospitalized for successful treatment of pneumonia in May, 2011. He resumed his ongoing program of physical therapy and normal activity shortly after release, according to his staff. This included finalizing his most recent book, "Nearing Home," published last month, and beginning work on a new project reaffirming the evangelistic message he has preached for more than 60 years.

While no date has been set for discharge, Mr. Graham is looking forward to returning home to spend the upcoming Christmas holidays with his family.

Gregory Bull / AP file

The Rev. Billy Graham speaks on stage at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York on June 25, 2005.

Source: http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/30/9121477-evangelist-bill-graham-hospitalized

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