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CITRUS HEIGHTS —

It is faith in God that family members believe saved Lesley Bunnings life.

While she is still in critical condition her health improved early Saturday.

The 61-year-old vibrant mother of three had been on life support since early January after testing positive for H1N1, but as the family struggled with the decision to keep her alive their prayers were suddenly answered.

“She is responding to us. She can answer basic questions such as wiggle my toes squeeze my hand means she is not brain dead,” said Bunning’s daughter, Allison Perrins.

“I feel like when doctors end, God begins,” said Bunning’s daughter Tamra Alsberge.

Bunning’s fate changed late Friday when her fever spiked.

Doctors at Kaiser in Roseville scrambled to find the root cause and with the family, they made the decision to put Bunning on a standard ventilator.

If the ventilator did not work her life would have virtually ended.

“She lasted four hours on the ventilator and at 1am we got her to a CAT scan,” said Lesley’s husband, Bernard Bunning.

After news broke of Bunning’s case, the outpouring of support was unexpected.

Strangers stood at Bunning’s bedside and prayed and specialist from major hospitals across the country worked with Kaiser doctors.

“Without a miracle we were not going to be at the point where we are today,” said Allison.

“We refer to it as the God show,” said Bernard.

The family thanks everyone for their prayers and support and asks the public to continue praying.

Bunning still has a long road to recovery, as she will have to re-learn how to walk and talk.