Former Southsider being treated at Atlanta hospital
By Al Stilley
Southsider Voice correspondent
With improved health since his return to the United States for treatment, Dr. Kent Brantly issued his first written statement Friday.
Brantly, who explained last summer to Southsiders why he was going to be a medical missionary in Nigeria, is being treated for Ebola at Emory University in Atlanta, where he is in an isolated room. He contracted the disease while treating Ebola patients in Nigeria. Brantly was flown to the U.S. from Monrovia, Nigeria, Aug. 2. His family is with him in Atlanta.
Brantly and his family reside in Fort Worth, Texas. He grew up on the Southside, attended church and school at Southeastern Church of Christ and graduated from Heritage Christian High School, Abilene Christian University and Indiana University School of Medicine.
The Southside’s prayers are for a full recovery for Brantly and co-worker/hygienist Nancy Writebol, who also is being treated for Ebola at Emory.
Through Samaritan’s Purse, Brantly released the following statement Friday:
“I am writing this update from my isolation room at Emory University Hospital, where the doctors and nurses are providing the best care possible. I am growing stronger every day, and I thank God for his mercy as I have wrestled with this terrible disease. I also want to extend my deep and sincere thanks to all of you who have been praying for my recovery as well as for Nancy and for the people of Liberia and West Africa.
"My wife, Amber, and I, along with our two children, did not move to Liberia for the specific purpose of fighting Ebola. We went to Liberia because we believe God called us to serve him at ELWA Hospital.
"One thing I have learned is that following God often leads us to unexpected places. When Ebola spread into Liberia, my usual hospital work turned more and more toward treating the increasing number of Ebola patients. I held the hands of countless individuals as this terrible disease took their lives away from them. I witnessed the horror firsthand, and I can still remember every face and name.
“When I started feeling ill on that Wednesday morning, I immediately isolated myself until the test confirmed my diagnosis three days later. When the result was positive, I remember a deep sense of peace that was beyond all understanding. God was reminding me of what he had taught me years ago, that he will give me everything I need to be faithful to him.
"Now it is two weeks later, and I am in a totally different setting. My focus, however, remains the same – to follow God. As you continue to pray for Nancy and me, yes, please pray for our recovery. More importantly, pray that we would be faithful to God’s call on our lives in these new circumstances.”
Southsider Voice correspondent
With improved health since his return to the United States for treatment, Dr. Kent Brantly issued his first written statement Friday.
Brantly, who explained last summer to Southsiders why he was going to be a medical missionary in Nigeria, is being treated for Ebola at Emory University in Atlanta, where he is in an isolated room. He contracted the disease while treating Ebola patients in Nigeria. Brantly was flown to the U.S. from Monrovia, Nigeria, Aug. 2. His family is with him in Atlanta.
Brantly and his family reside in Fort Worth, Texas. He grew up on the Southside, attended church and school at Southeastern Church of Christ and graduated from Heritage Christian High School, Abilene Christian University and Indiana University School of Medicine.
The Southside’s prayers are for a full recovery for Brantly and co-worker/hygienist Nancy Writebol, who also is being treated for Ebola at Emory.
Through Samaritan’s Purse, Brantly released the following statement Friday:
“I am writing this update from my isolation room at Emory University Hospital, where the doctors and nurses are providing the best care possible. I am growing stronger every day, and I thank God for his mercy as I have wrestled with this terrible disease. I also want to extend my deep and sincere thanks to all of you who have been praying for my recovery as well as for Nancy and for the people of Liberia and West Africa.
"My wife, Amber, and I, along with our two children, did not move to Liberia for the specific purpose of fighting Ebola. We went to Liberia because we believe God called us to serve him at ELWA Hospital.
"One thing I have learned is that following God often leads us to unexpected places. When Ebola spread into Liberia, my usual hospital work turned more and more toward treating the increasing number of Ebola patients. I held the hands of countless individuals as this terrible disease took their lives away from them. I witnessed the horror firsthand, and I can still remember every face and name.
“When I started feeling ill on that Wednesday morning, I immediately isolated myself until the test confirmed my diagnosis three days later. When the result was positive, I remember a deep sense of peace that was beyond all understanding. God was reminding me of what he had taught me years ago, that he will give me everything I need to be faithful to him.
"Now it is two weeks later, and I am in a totally different setting. My focus, however, remains the same – to follow God. As you continue to pray for Nancy and me, yes, please pray for our recovery. More importantly, pray that we would be faithful to God’s call on our lives in these new circumstances.”
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