Savannah Payne, a senior speech-language pathology major and residential life hall director, is now able to communicate with parents and nurses, but still remains in critical condition after a severe infection forced doctors to amputate both arms and legs.

Payne was rushed to the hospital late August due to seizures.

Doctors discovered Payne had a staph infection plus strep, but severe side effects from certain medications and treatments to lower her body temperature forced doctors and her parents to make the tough decision of amputating parts of her arms and legs.

Due to the large outreach of supporters, Payne’s parents are keeping the public updated through a Facebook page called “Prayers for Savannah Payne.”

The most recent update to the page, made on Sep. 23, said that Payne has been awake and alert.

Payne is not able to speak, but can move her lips and mouth words.

If Payne’s breathing can become stabilized, Payne’s mother, Stephanie Payne, said doctors can begin to downsize the trach tube, and she can begin talking.

The post said Savannah is smiling for her parents.

Payne’s mother said doctors plan to take her back to the operating room on Monday.

“We are seeing God work in such a mighty way,” Payne’s mother said.