ATLANTA (AP) — An American doctor infected with Ebola while working in western Africa says he is “recovering in every way” and holding onto the hope of a reunion with his family.

Dr. Kent Brantly remained hospitalized Friday at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. His comments came in a statement issued through the Christian aid group Samaritan’s Purse.

In the statement, Brantly expresses gratitude for the health care professionals who are treating him with “compassionate, world-class care,” adding he is “more grateful every day to the Lord for sparing my life.”

Brantly and a second American, Nancy Writebol, were flown out of Liberia earlier this month and are being treated in an isolation unit at the Atlanta hospital. The two were infected while working at a missionary clinic outside Liberia’s capital.

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