Santa Clarita City Councilman Frank Ferry has made slow, but steady progress toward recovery and began breathing on his own.

According to city spokeswoman Gail Ortiz, he is doing much better and is off the ventilator that has been breathing for him since his return to Providence Holy Cross Hospital the first week of December.

“They are planning on physical therapy in the next few days and he’s interacting with his kids, so that’s a good sign,” Ortiz said.

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While his condition has improved, and vital signs are within acceptable ranges, he is still in the Intensive Care Unit and his condition is still critical.

Ortiz said that he is not able to receive visitors, but that his family is at his side and appreciates the community’s well wishes and prayers.

Ferry went to the hospital November 30 for surgery to remove a growth near his pancreas. Toxins from the growth caused an infection and his condition worsened significantly, causing hospital officials to summon his family as he fought for his life.

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