Sept. 16, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Dr. Thomas Brickner of UNC Sports Medicine issued the following statement Tuesday on behalf of the family of Allison Barnes:

"University of North Carolina sophomore Allison Barnes has shown steady improvement over the last 48 hours and has been upgraded to stable condition. Allison is awake, responsive and ambulatory with assistance. She is being transferred out of the Intensive Care Unit, but will remain hospitalized for ongoing medical care.

"Allison, a member of the UNC swimming and diving team, suffered an apparent severe hyperthermic episode at swim practice last Tuesday (September 9) and has been in the intensive care unit since then."

Previous statements from the family dated September 14 and September 13 follow:

Keith Barnes, the father of University of North Carolina swimmer Allison Barnes, released on behalf of his family, this update Sunday night on his daughter's condition.

"We would like to thank everyone for their continued support for Allison during this trying time. Allison remains in critical condition but we are encouraged by being able to announce that she has been removed from the ventilator and is now breathing on her own. We ask that you continue to keep Allison in your prayers during her recovery time."

Keith and JoEllen Barnes released the following statement Saturday afternoon concerning the condition of their daughter Allison Barnes.

Allison Barnes is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina from Bel Air, Md. (C. Milton Wright High School). She is a member of the Tar Heels' women's swimming and diving team and earned her first varsity letter in the 2007-08 school year while competing in the distance freestyle events for Coach Rich DeSelm's team.

"At this time Allison remains in critical condition after an event that occurred this past Tuesday. Allison's mother, her sister (Amanda, UNC Class of 2008 and former Tar Heel lacrosse player) and I would like to thank Dr. James Ford and Dr. Mike Contarino, along with all the doctors and nurses on staff at UNC Hospitals.

"We would also like to thank Chancellor Holden Thorp, UNC athletic director Dick Baddour, head swimming coach Rich DeSelm, assistant swimming coach Mike Litzinger, head women's lacrosse coach Jenny Levy, assistant women's lacrosse coach Phil Barnes and all of the athletic family here at UNC for their continued support during this challenging time. Our family continues to covet your prayers for Allison during this journey and we hope soon to be able to speak to you with encouraging news."