‘Miracle’ improves ailing Kentucky lawmaker’s condition but he’s still ‘very sick’

The brother of Kentucky House Majority Floor Leader John “Bam” Carney, who has been critically ill with pancreatitis, said Sunday afternoon in a social media post that the lawmaker is improving but is still “very sick.”

Carney, a Republican from Campbellsville, fell ill December 22 and following surgery, has been in intensive care at Norton Hospital in Louisville since.

“Bam is still in ICU, “ Mark Carney said in a post. “While he is still on the ventilator, he has been able to communicate since Thursday afternoon by shaking his head yes and no, winking his eyes, and moving his hands and fingers,” Mark Carney said.

“He now has a touch of pneumonia and all of the organs are still not functioning at full capacity. We are so encouraged of the progress Bam has made, but also recognize he is still very sick, “ the post said.

Mark Carney expressed thanks for the prayers, texts, messages, visits, food and “other contributions that have been made during Bam’s sickness.”

“The family has certainly been touched by the love and support from home and across the state, “ Mark Carney said. ”Most of all we want to thank God for the way he has worked in Bam’s body and for the continued healing he will provide. The staff here at the hospital has been amazing. We have heard the word miracle from the doctors and nurses many times over the last few days.”

The 2020 General Assembly begins Tuesday in Frankfort.

This story was originally published January 5, 2020 at 5:17 PM.