Cheng was in the ICU for several months following a Nov. 2, 2008 car accident. Since then he’s been recovering at home. One Love For Chi keeps fans updated on Cheng’s condition in addition to collecting donations for the bassist. 

In a post titled, “Chi Wakes From Coma?” OneLoveForChi.com clarified that Cheng is still considered to be in a “minimally conscious state.” A week earlier the website shared a video sent in from the Deftones’ tour manager that showed Cheng lifting his leg by request.

Below is a segment from OneLoveForChi.com’s Feb. 8 post:

“Please don’t think that we aren’t completely thrilled with Chi lifting his leg on request. … But like I said it is a baby step. Although this is progress he is still considered to be in a ‘minimally conscious’ state. He doesn’t complete tasks like this on request every time. … Chi is still not speaking … isn’t able to communicate. He does make noises at times.

“It does sometimes seem like he is trying very hard to communicate. He has every once in a while had great moments like the ‘leg lift video’ where he moves on request. He does make eye contact and turn his head towards you. It does show on his EEG scans that there has been ‘progress within’ when they compare initial scans to recent scans. These are all great things and definite signs of progress/improvement. Now for a dose of reality … although Chi has had great occurrences of progress … there is also lots of time far and in between where nothing at all happens and he is non-responsive. But when you are around him … even when he is non-responsive … When you look into his eyes… it’s like he is speaking in another way. It’s very hard to explain. He is ‘there’ and that is apparent … but he is in no way out of the woods yet. Still LOTS of work ahead. I really feel the recent rumors/headlines of  ”Chi Cheng Awakes From 4 Year Coma” could not be more inaccurate (unfortunately!).”

The post wrapped up by reassuring fans that Cheng is still fighting and so are all of his supporters. The website asked that publications be accurate in their reporting as misinformation just hurts Cheng’s family and son. 

For more information and to donate to Chi Cheng’s recovery, click here for One Love For Chi’s website.