News Release

Church Issues Update on Health of Leaders

UPDATE (May 29, 2015 at 9:45 a.m. MDT)

Elder L. Tom Perry, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is suffering from terminal cancer, it was reported Friday.  The Church announced last month that Elder Perry had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, but a spokesman said Friday that the cancer had spread.  Elder Perry is 92.

Church spokesman Eric Hawkins said, “Elder Perry has asked that we share his thanks for the prayers and kindness extended to him by Church members and friends.  Despite earlier treatments, cancer has spread aggressively to his lungs and beyond.  Elder Perry is at home.  He will no longer attend meetings, though he is still receiving visits from members of the Quorum of the Twelve, the First Presidency, and close family.  He will begin receiving hospice care in the coming days.”


UPDATE (May 8, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. MDT)

Elder Richard G. Scott, 86, is resting at home recovering from his recent hospitalization for internal bleeding. An ulcer in the stomach was found and the bleeding was controlled without major surgery. Elder Scott, known for his gentle manner and devoted service, has experienced a fading memory incident to age, and is not fully able to participate in meetings of the Quorum of the Twelve at this time. Doctors consider his condition as stable.

Meanwhile, Elder L. Tom Perry resumed his responsibilities this week and attended both scheduled meetings of the Quorum of the Twelve. He remains under medical care for thyroid cancer.

 

UPDATE (April 28, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. MDT)

Elder Richard G. Scott, who was recently hospitalized with gastrointestinal bleeding, has been released from the hospital this afternoon and is recuperating at home.  Elder L. Tom Perry, who last week was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, remains at home where he is receiving General Authority visitors and conducting Church business.  The 92-year-old apostle continues to receive medical care.  

UPDATE (April 24, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. MDT)

Elder L. Tom Perry will begin radiation treatment this morning after being diagnosed with cancer in the thyroid gland.  Elder Perry is the second most senior apostle in terms of length of service in the Quorum of the Twelve, and the oldest living apostle.

Elder Richard G. Scott, age 86, was hospitalized last evening due to gastrointestinal bleeding.  The bleeding was brought under control and he is resting comfortably. Elder Scott has served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since October 1, 1988.

They are grateful for the prayers and kindnesses expressed on their behalf.  

UPDATE (April 22, 2015 at 8:30 p.m. MDT)
Elder L. Tom Perry has been released from the hospital and is resting at home.

(April 22, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. MDT) Elder L. Tom Perry is in the hospital for tests and observation following some breathing difficulties, Church spokesman Eric Hawkins said Wednesday. Elder Perry, who is 92, is the second-most senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.