Emily Willis is continuing what has become a lengthy recovery after suffering a severe medical emergency at a Malibu rehabilitation facility, with her mother now reporting signs of progress.
Yesenia Cooper, Willis’ mother, recently provided an update on her daughter’s condition, saying the former film performer has made noticeable improvements despite still facing significant challenges with communication, mobility and daily activities.
The update comes after Willis’ family reached a reported $3 million settlement with the rehabilitation facility where she was receiving treatment.
Emily Willis Is Reportedly Making Progress
According to a July 30 report from TMZ citing Cooper, Willis remains unable to speak but has developed other ways of communicating.
Her mother said she can communicate through head and eye movements and estimated that Willis currently understands around 80% of what is happening around her.
The progress represents an important development following the serious health crisis that left Willis with extensive medical needs.
However, her recovery remains ongoing, and she continues to require substantial support.
She Is Working With Therapists in Mexico
Willis is currently working with therapists in Mexico as she focuses on regaining some of the abilities affected by her medical condition.
According to the report, she is also relearning how to walk after undergoing numerous surgeries. Further medical procedures may be considered in the future, potentially in Spain, although those plans have not been presented as finalized.
Her rehabilitation is therefore expected to remain a long-term process involving continued therapy and medical care.
Willis Still Needs Assistance With Eating
While her family has reported encouraging developments, Willis is not yet independent in several areas of daily life.
TMZ reported that she still cannot eat without assistance. At the same time, Cooper said her daughter has been able to sleep on her own and watch television.
These seemingly routine activities have taken on greater significance during a recovery that has involved extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
What Happened to Emily Willis?
Willis was found unresponsive in her room at a Malibu rehabilitation center in early 2024, where she had been receiving treatment for ketamine addiction.
Her family subsequently pursued legal action against the facility, alleging that the circumstances surrounding her treatment contributed to the devastating medical outcome.
The family’s lawsuit eventually resulted in a reported $3 million settlement with the rehabilitation center.
A settlement resolves a legal dispute but does not, by itself, establish that all allegations made in a lawsuit were proven in court.
Her Family Has Continued to Support Her Recovery
Throughout Willis’ recovery, her family has regularly emphasized the severity of her condition while expressing hope that she can regain as much independence as possible.
In a GoFundMe update supporting her medical and rehabilitation journey, the family said Willis was fighting for a full recovery “with every ounce of her remarkable strength and bravery.”
The family has also continued seeking support as her recovery requires ongoing therapy and care.
A Long Road Ahead
The latest update offers a cautiously encouraging picture of Willis’ condition. Her ability to communicate through movements, understand much of what is happening around her, sleep independently and engage with television are all described by her mother as signs of progress.
At the same time, she remains unable to communicate verbally and requires assistance with eating and other aspects of daily life.
