Lamar Odom’s condition has improved significantly since he was discovered unconscious in a Nevada brothel on Oct. 13. Odom was in critical condition for days immediately following his admittance to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas. With respiratory failure resulting from an apparent drug overdose, it seemed unlikely that Odom would survive. 

Against all odds though, Odom regained consciousness two days after being discovered in the brothel. He has since been transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Odom has continued to make healthy progress while hospitalized in Los Angeles, despite suffering several small strokes while unconscious, nearly all of Odom’s vital organs are fully functional. Odom’s kidneys were severely damaged and will need to be replaced. He has been on dialysis since his initial hospitalization. Odom’s motor and speaking function were impaired due to suffering multipe strokes but he has successfully taken his first assisted steps and has resumed speaking in full sentences. Sources say that Odom appears aware and engaged with his environment and enjoys interacting with his loved ones. 

Odom’s aunt, JaNean Mercer, released a statement Tuesday calling his progress “miraculous.”

“As Lamar begins a new chapter in his road to recovery, PLEASE continue to uplift him and the family in prayer,” Mercer’s statement said. “He continues to make miraculous progress, taking a few steps in Los Angeles. We couldn’t be more overjoyed! We realize Lamar’s continued improvement will not be easy, however his unrelenting strength and faith in GOD will pull him through.”

Odom’s estranged wife Khloe Kardashian has remained by his side throughout his hospitalization and paid to have Odom’s children, Destiny Odom (17) and Lamar Odom Jr. (13), their mother, Liza Morales, and his aunt JaNean Mercer, flown to Las Vegas to visit Odom’s bedside. Kardashian and Odom briefly starred on the reality TV series “Khloe and Lamar,” which ran from 2011 until 2012. Their marriage troubles were a focus on Kardashian’s other show, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” after Kardashian and Odom ended. Kardashian and Odom signed divorce papers in July but their official split is pending review in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Since Odom’s hospitalization, Kardashian has announced that the divorce has been called off. Kardashian has not commented on whether the divorce will proceed following Odom’s recovery. 

Kardashian released her own statement Tuesday on her website.

“The past week has been incredibly difficult. I am so thankful to family, friends and fans, who have sent nothing but prayers and well wishes to Lamar,” the statement said. “I also want to take a moment to thank everyone at Sunrise Hospital, including the amazing doctors and nurses for their kindness and diligent work. Under their amazing care, incredible strides have been made. You can never be prepared for an experience like this, but without the outpouring of love and endless prayers that Lamar has received and the strength I was given from my loved ones, it would have been difficult to endure. Thank you for your continued support. God is great!!!”

The incident in the Nevada brothel was the low point of Odom’s long-time personal struggle with addiction. Odom’s drug habits led to the stagnation of his NBA career after he was waived by the New York Knicks in 2014. Knick President Phil Jackson stated that Odom was “unable to uphold the standards to return as an NBA player.” It was also widely speculated that Odom’s drug problems led to his and Kardashian’s separation in late 2013. 

Though Odom is making significant personal gains with his physical rehabilitation, it remains to be seen if Odom will use this near-death experience to help end his addiction.