Despite rumors on the German racer's declining health, Schumacher's family declines to comment and instead asks the public to respect their privacy.
The F1 world champion's long-time friend, Ross Brawn, Technical Director for Benetton and Ferrari, gives out some positive light saying that Schumacher is in fact showing progress contrary to recent reports. He is also quoted in saying, "All I would say is there is a lot of speculation about Michael's condition, most (is) wrong and we just pray and hope every day that we continue to see some progress."
Ferrari CEO Luca Di Montezemolo also says that he is positive that Michael is reacting to treatment. He continues, "I know how strong he is. I'm sure that thanks to his determination, he will come out from this very, very difficult situation."
However, Felix Damm, the family's lawyer, confirms that Michael cannot walk even with the aid of equipment and therapists.
Just this year, Michael's family took their optimism to Facebook and posted a message, commemorating Michael's first ever Formula One win. The message also had a #TeamMichael hashtag, and encouraged everyone to continue to pray and support for Michael.
Back in December 29, 2013, Michael had a severe head injury following a head-on collision with a rock at 34 feet down in the French Alps. He was then skiing with his son at the Meribel ski resort. Michael was swiftly brought to a medically induced coma while being transferred to the Grenoble University Hospital.
Six months later, he was then brought to a hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland to be closer to where he lives. After three more months of intensive care, he was brought in his Lake Geneva home where all the treatments continued.
Although care for Michael has been round-the-clock ever since, Sabine Kehm, Michael's manager, says that there is progress but a "long and difficult road ahead" is anticipated. She also stresses out to the public that privacy is needed by the family in this very difficult situation.
Since Michael's fateful accident three years ago, medical costs have escalated to hundreds of millions of dollars with an estimated $145,000 paid weekly for 24/7 care.
