Doctors told parents that swelling on 12-year-old Easton “Tank” Oliverson’s face has increased, according to an Instagram account set up to share news of his recovery.
“The swelling on his face has increased and the doctors have told his parents it will get worse,” the post reads. “This has limited Easton’s vision and presented him with a unique challenge. While we have seen (and continue to see) countless miracles on Easton’s journey, he will still have tough moments like today.”
“Despite everything, he tells everyone he talks to that he loves them. Instead of complaining, he chooses to express his love. This really is the kind of kid Easton is, which is why we know he’s going to come out about it with so much force. Please keep praying for our buddy. We love all of you!!”
The post also said that in his mountain region gear, Oliverson was able to watch Friday’s game between his team and Tennessee’s Nolensville Little League from his hospital room.
“It was a very emotional afternoon for him,” the post reads.
Oliverson suffered a fractured skull after falling out of a bunk bed early Monday morning at the players’ dorm in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. His team, Utah’s Snow Canyon Little League, earned a trip to Williamsport after winning a regional championship in California.
The young athlete was flown to a children’s hospital in critical condition. His father told CNN he was “fighting for his life,” with doctors saying he was just 30 minutes from death. He underwent surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma.
In the days since, Oliverson has made impressive strides toward recovery, as documented on the miraclesfortank Instagram account. By Wednesday he was no longer sedated and by Thursday he was exiting an intensive care unit and able to support himself.
The Little Leaguer has received a flood of support from across the nation. On Saturday, Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash sent a heartfelt message to Oliverson.
“We’ve been keeping up with your progress and just want to let you know that you have fans that you’ve never met in Florida who are really rooting for you,” Cash said in an Instagram video posted to @miraclesfortank . “I remember how excited I was to have the chance to play in the Little League World Series. There’s something about baseball that brings people together. It’s like an extended family.”
“We are there for each other to celebrate wins and we encourage each other in challenging times. Tank, we send positive thoughts and well wishes to you and the Snow Canyon Little League…let’s do it for Tank.”
The post thanked the Rays for the message. “Thank you @raysbaseball for this heartfelt message. The support means the world and more to Easton and his family!”
CNN’s Jason Hanna, Jason Carroll, and Carolyn Sung contributed to this report.