By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST MinistriesASHEVILLE, NC (ANS) – Evangelist Billy Graham was hospitalized early today (Saturday, August 18, 2007) at Mission Health & Hospitals in Asheville, North Carolina, near his home in nearby Montreat, for evaluation and treatment of an intestinal bleed.

Evangelist Billy Graham was hospitalized early today (Saturday, August 18, 2007) at Mission Health & Hospitals in Asheville, North Carolina, near his home in nearby Montreat, for evaluation and treatment of an intestinal bleed.A news release from the hospital said that he was admitted for observation and is listed in “fair” condition. Mr. Graham’s physicians said the illness does not appear to be life-threatening, as Mr. Graham’s condition had stabilized over the hours following admission and treatment.

“An upper endoscopy and a bleeding scan showed no areas of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract,” said the release. “The physicians say the bleeding may have come from diverticuli, small pouches that can form in the lower intestine. These may become irritated and bleed. A diverticular bleed often begins suddenly and may stop on its own.”

Members of Mr. Graham’s staff say that he was resting comfortably following admission. He is fully conscious, alert, and visiting with members of his family.

Mr. Graham, who is 88, lost his wife of 64 years, Ruth Bell Graham, on June 14, 2007.