UPDATE: Sarah Ginter Starts To Walk, Whispers Word

The Ginter family on Thursday shared news of more progress for their recovering high-school daughter.

Sarah Ginter is beginning to stand, take multiple steps and is keeping her eyes open for periods of 10 minutes or longer, according to "Sarah Ginter's Update Page" on Facebook. The page is updated by members of her family, usually her sister or mother Della.

Ginter also whispered "12," her first word since that initially left her in critical condition. She has since been upgraded to good condition, a Delnor Hospital spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday with Batavia Patch.

On Thursday afternoon Sarah's mother Della announced that Sarah cannot have visitors yet, but the Batavia family is hopeful that will change soon.

"We know her friends are going to help her (heal) quickly and will be a big part of her recovery," she wrote. "We thank God for all of you and lift you up in prayer as we pray for our daughter."

Visits will be start off short with only a few people at a time two to three days a week, according to the page.

Ginter has begun speech, physical and occupational therapy in her hospital room. She stands and takes steps with the help of three people.

The family wants to make sure Ginter does not get pneumonia and can eventually take deeper breaths. Numerous posts on the Facebook page indicate Ginter is that is likely the result of rapid deceleration, such as the car crash where she was a passenger.

Ginter's friend Lynlee Gilbert was the driver in the crash, according to the Kane County Sheriff's Department. Gilbert, 17, did not survive the crash.

"Please join us in continuing to pray for the Gilbert family—they are in our continuous thoughts and prayers," Gilbert's mom Della wrote on Thursday.

Prayer is a significant part of the recovery process for the Ginters, the Gilberts and the larger community supporting them. Ginter's mom said a doctor and a nurse prayed with her separately at her daughter's bedside this week.