'I Am Growing Stronger Every Day,' Says U.S. Ebola Patient Kent Brantly

Kent Brantly, the American doctor infected with Ebola while caring for patients in Liberia and who was recently brought back to the U.S., says that he is "growing stronger every day" as he receives care at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

The doctor released his first statement today (Aug. 8) through Samaritan's Purse, the aid organization through which he was serving in Liberia.

He wrote:

I am writing this update from my isolation room at Emory University Hospital, where the doctors and nurses are providing the very 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 (Writebol) 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.

You can read Brantly's full statement here.

Along with Brantly, Nancy Writebol, another U.S. aid worker who was infected with Ebola while serving with Brantly in Liberia, was brought to Emory University Hospital. Brantly arrived at the hospital a week ago, and Writebol arrived just a few days after.