It was with sadness that I learned Dr. “Pat” Robertson, founder of the CBN television network suffered an embolic stroke on Friday. A family member recognized the onset of symptoms and Dr. Robertson was rushed to the nearest stroke center.
The stroke center consulted with a neurologist/stroke specialist who quickly ordered an MRI to determine the cause of the stroke and the location of the clot.
Within minutes of receiving life-saving medication, Robertson was awake and responsive and able to move all of his limbs. The neurologist declared the rapid recovery to be a “tPA miracle.” The drug tPA is the revolutionary medication being administered to stroke victims.
Robertson is alert, awake and expected to make a full recovery. He should be discharged from the hospital on Monday at the latest.
It was December 1980–just two months after my father suffered a life-ending heart attack, that I prayed with Pat Robertson as he led viewers in the sinner’s prayer on his program the 700 Club. I was only 17 at the time. That decision to accept God’s free gift of salvation and follow Christ eventually led me to a 28-year career in Christian journalism through the Metro Voice. And for that I am blessed. It has always saddened me that people, including many Christians have mocked him and his work.
In a statement the family said that they are grateful to the doctors and emergency personnel for their extraordinary care and rapid response.
“We encourage everyone to be aware of the symptoms of stroke and also be aware of the location of the nearest stroke center,” said son Gordon Robertson, CEO of The Christian Broadcasting Network.
“Stroke kills over 140,000 people in the USA every year and is the leading cause of serious long-term disability,” Robertson continued. “Awareness of the onset of symptoms and then rapid treatment is the key to recovery. We cannot express our thanks enough to the medical team that treated my father.”
Learn more about how to spot the signs and symptoms of a stroke by visiting The National Stroke Association online.
Robertson is the founder of The Christian Broadcasting Network, a 57-year-old global ministry anchored by its flagship program The 700 Club with the mission to take the Gospel to the nations.
CBN has launched several sister ministries including Operation Blessing and Orphan’s Promise along with creating the American Center for Law and Justice and founding Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia where CBN is headquartered.
I pray for a speedy recovery for Pat Robertson so that his life-long work of bringing people to Christ will continue. I am a testament to his efforts.
–By Dwight Widaman with details from wire services.
