A San Diego-area teenager fighting for his life against a flesh-eating bacteria is responding to his parents' voices, hospital officials confirmed Thursday.
Giancarlo Gil, 14, a Chula Vista High School freshman will undergo his tenth surgery at Rady Children’s Hospital.
The teenager is in critical condition as he recovers from the infection that forced doctors to amputate his leg.
"He continues to make small improvements in his recovery and is starting to respond when his parents speak to him," according to hospital spokesperson Carlos Delgado.
Gil complained of pain in his calf Saturday, Sept. 26 after playing baseball.
His condition quickly changed and Gil was taken to urgent care and then the emergency room.
Doctors said a flesh-eating bacteria was causing him to vomit and his calf area started to swell up and bruise, according to a family friend.
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Doctors originally amputated the teen's leg to the knee and then days later the leg had to be amputated all the way up to his groin.
On Thursday, the hospital said the teenager is making small improvements. His family also wanted to thank the community for all of prayers, love and support, Delgado said.
