Kylie Doniak's condition improves

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A UT soccer player is now listed in fair condition at University Medical Center Brackenridge after being hit by a drunk driver on February 2, near 6th Street.

Friends say Kylie opened her eyes for the first time Saturday morning in her bed, upright. A much different outlook than just five days ago when the teen had tubes coming out from her nose and mouth.

Family members say her appearance has also improved with more of her face now visible.

She is responding more to voices by moving her hands and appears to be moving her eyes in recognition of those talking to her.

Doctors have said she appears to be able to hear those around her.

Kylie still has an infection in her lungs and is now taking new antibiotics.

On the families blog they say she is improving and are very optimistic:

"Today Kylie started physical therapy! It's not anything too crazy; they just moved her from her bed to a special chair, but it's more movement than she's done since she's been here! She was sitting up and opening her eyes. They had her stay in the chair for about an hour before they moved her back into the bed, and then they did the whole process again tonight. Needless to say, she will sleep well tonight! She was pretty exhausted from all of the new movement and stimulation, but she did great.
It's been such a great day, to see all of the improvements that she has made since that first day she came in here. She still has a long road ahead, but I know I speak for everyone when I say that we have a new sense of hope.

Special Note from my dad:
He went to Chilis last Thursday for the fundraiser and he wants to say a sincere thank you to everyone who attended for their support and kind words. He came home afterwards and he could not stop telling us about how much love he felt and how his heart was so full. So thank you. You all are helping us get through this incredible journey."