Coretta Scott King, the widow of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., has been paralyzed on most of the right side of her body as the result of a serious stroke suffered earlier this week. Her doctor said she was able to say a few words on Friday but that she faces a long and difficult recovery.
According to Dr. Maggie Mermin, Mrs. King's personal physician, the patient will likely remain in Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta for at least another week.
'She said a few words today. We're very encouraged by that,' the doctor said. 'I'm not certain she'll have full recovery. ... We certainly hope for that. Physically, she's doing beautifully, and emotionally, I think she's doing well given the circumstances,' she said.
Hospital officials said King did recognize all of the visitors who saw her in the hospital and that she was listed in fair condition.
Dr. Mermin said the stroke was caused by a blood clot which traveled to her brain. Mrs. King had two smaller strokes before the most recent one: one in April and one on August 2. She was given blood thinners to prevent clots but apparently a pre-existing clot did not dissolve.
Coretta Scott King founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta after her husband's assassination in 1968. She has been actively involved in the civil rights movement since her husband's death.
Mrs. King's four children were by her side and supporting their mother.
'We are completely assured she will come to a complete recovery,' said Yolanda King, the oldest child. 'We believe this is a cleverly disguised opportunity to grow.'
