By Michael Gordon, McClatchy Newspapers –
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the second time in less than a year, evangelist Billy Graham has been hospitalized in Asheville, N.C., this time for a suspected case of bronchitis.
The 93-year-old Charlotte native was admitted Saturday night to Mission Hospital. He again is being treated by pulmonologist Dr. David Pucci, and was resting comfortably Sunday morning.
Graham was said to be alert and in good spirits when admitted and is now receiving antibiotics. Spokesman Larry Ross said the hospital expects to treat Graham for several days.
Last November, Graham was admitted to Mission with a case of pneumonia.
When Graham developed a fever and cough Saturday night, doctors decided on the more aggressive step of hospitalization to try to keep the infection from worsening. Ross said the evangelist seems “farther along” in his recovery compared to his last two illnesses.
Last year, Graham released “Nearing Home,” his thoughts on aging and the approach of death. He’s been healthy through 2012, though he remains homebound in Montreat, N.C., and makes no public appearances. The evangelist is said to be finishing up a manuscript for a new book summarizing his message from seven decades of public ministry.
On Sunday, he was eating and watching the broadcast of the service at his home church, First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C. His grandson Will was giving the guest sermon.
