Franklin Graham undergoes ‘specialized heart surgery,’ is expected to make full recovery
North Carolina-based evangelist Franklin Graham underwent “specialized heart surgery” on Monday and is expected to make a full recovery, according to the Samaritan’s Purse organization.
Franklin Graham, 69, is the son of the late evangelist Rev. Billy Graham. He’s the leader of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and president of the international Christian relief orgarnization Samaritan’s Purse.
Graham, who had the surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., had developed constrictive pericarditis in recent months, according to the release from Samaritan’s Purse. The condition causes inflammation and hardening of the sac around the heart, which compresses the heart and prevents it from working properly, according to Mayo Clinic.
Graham’s surgery involved removing the pericardium, a membrane enclosing the heart that offers it protection, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Doctors told Graham he would make a full recovery and should be able to return to his normal activity and ministry schedule, according to the release.
“Mr. Graham said that he is looking forward to multiple opportunities across the globe in 2022 to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and invite people to put their faith in Him,” the release said. “He is also eager to resume riding his motorcycle by springtime. He and his family appreciate everyone’s prayers.”
This story was originally published November 8, 2021 at 8:07 PM.
