Makayla Noble, the 16-year-old cheerleader paralyzed in a freak tumbling accident, is moving closer to eating on her own and her "spirits are up," her family have said.
After being hospitalized in Plano, Texas, doctors fitted the Prosper resident with a feeding tube in order to meet her nutritional needs.
But on Thursday, the family said on Facebook that Noble had passed her swallowing study, meaning she is "one step closer" to being able to eat independently again.
"So much to be thankful for today! It's all about those positives!" the family said. "Mak's spirits are up and lots of smiles today! She got to start with ice chips today and was very excited about that!"
Noble suffered a severe spinal cord injury on September 20 while practicing tumbling—an acrobatic form of gymnastics—which left her paralyzed from the chest down and unable to move her hands.
A move to a rehabilitation facility has been held off for now due to Noble struggling with lung problems during her stay in hospital.
"Medically speaking, everything is where it needs to be for Mak to move to the Rehab Facility! This is still being decided, thank you for all the suggestions, we have done our research and have it from here. We are making the best decision for Makayla and our family!"
In order to assist with her breathing and keep her left lung from drooping, Noble's medical team fitted her with a tracheostomy tube.
"Fun thing that happened today... Mak was taught how to make whispering noises with her Trach (think cute dolphin sounds) when she needs our attention! I don't think any of us mind hearing that sweet sound and attending to her!"the family said in the update.
The family also paid tribute to the medical team that have been taking care of the teen at the hospital in Plano, as well as people who have sent messages of support or gifts.
"Praises and special shout out to all the ICU Nurses, Physical Therapist and Dr Sixta at Medical City Plano! We cannot thank them enough for the care they have given Makayla!" the family said in the update.
"We also want to specifically thank each and everyone of you who have sent cards, notes and gifts! Each one gets read and shown to Mak and it brightens her day!"
A GoFundMe page that was set up by Tiffany Smith, a family friend of the Nobles, has raised more than $162,000 to help with the cheerleader's medical expenses.
In an earlier update, posted to Facebook on Wednesday, the family said they hoped the teen could move to the rehabilitation facility as soon as Monday next week.
"We got a lot of smiles today! Maks spirits are definitely better, and things appear to be progressing as planned," the family said on Wednesday. "Myriah spoiled Mak with a facial today! She is blessed with the best brother and sister!!"
