Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham, was in critical condition Saturday night after undergoing surgery for spinal meningitis.
Dr. Ralph Loomis, the neurosurgeon who operated on Mrs. Graham at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, said he was "cautiously optimistic" about her chances for recovery.Mrs. Graham, 75, has been hospitalized since Wednesday for meningitis, the hospital said.
Her husband and other family members were at the hospital. The Grahams, who have been married since 1943, live in nearby Montreat.
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"I am deeply grateful for the prayers and support of so many people, and to have the privilege of being in such a superb medical center with such excellent personnel," Graham said in a statement.