Elon first-year Gabriela Rosales' is now able to breathe without a ventilator at UNC Hospital, four weeks after getting hit by a car while walking across North Williamson in Elon.
Her CaringBridge site, which her family uses to give updates on Rosales' condition, also says the tube that monitors her inter-cranial pressure has been removed.
The latest post on the site, which came Sunday morning, states Rosales now opens her eyes and blinks and appears to be gaining strength by moving her arms and legs.
Rosales' parents, Carmencita and Roberto, are with Rosales at UNC Hospital from Nicaragua.
Elon University faculty and staff, including Associate Chaplain for Catholic Life Gerry Waterman and University Chaplain Jan Fuller have been visiting Rosales over the past few weeks.
Here on campus, Rosales is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. Her sorority sisters set up a profit share with All that JAS in Downtown Elon on March 19th to raise money for Rosales' recovery fund.
To donate to Rosales' recovery, visit her CaringBridge site.
Here is the full, latest journal update:
"There have been a lot of changes this week. Gaby had a tracheostomy surgery, a common procedure for patients that are reliant on aventilator for an extended period of time. Since this procedure, Gaby has been able to breathe without a ventilator. She also had her the tube that monitores her intracranial pressure removed. She has been more alert. She opens both eyes and blinks. She also seems to be gaining strength by moving her arms and legs. She is still not completely awake, even when her eyes are open but there have been a few glimpses of consciousness. The road to recovery is going to happen with small steps, but we are hopeful that she will continue to get stronger each day! Again, we thank you for all the support you have given Gaby and us. Please continue to pray for Gaby's recovery!
Carmencita and Tito