UPDATED: Snellville Woman Fighting Flesh-Eating Disease, Survival Chances Grim

(Editor's Note: This article was originally published May 10, 2012.)

Updated 10:30 p.m., May 9, 2012: Andy Copeland, Aimee Copeland's father, posted on Wednesday evening on Facebook that his daughter is improving and exceeding doctors' expectations. She is, however, still ventilated and experiencing challenges related to the necrotizing fasciitis affecting her. She will likely lose her remaining foot and her hands. "I am saddened to learn this development, but I am happy my baby is alive. Her strength and incredible fight has pulled us all closer to her side," he writes.

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Aimee Copeland's story is one of nightmares, and more than a week after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria on a zip line outing, the South Gwinnett High alumna's chances of survival are grim.

On Tuesday, Aimee's father, Andy Copeland, said that his daughter's chances of survival were "slim to none," according to media reports and his Facebook page. And, on Wednesday morning, he asked supporters to continue with faith that his daughter would make a turn-around.

"Be selfless, love those around you and believe in only the best possible outcome," he said on Facebook. "That's what I believe. That is what Aimee needs."

In addition to her father's posts, Aimee Copeland's condition is being updated on a community page, "Believe and pray for a miracle to happen for Aimee Copeland."

Copeland, 24, is a psychology master's student at the University of West Georgia. On May 1, she suffered a laceration to her leg when a zip line she was on broke in Carrolton, Ga. She was later diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating bacteria that destroys muscles, skin and underlying tissue, and her left leg was amputated.

She is currently being treated at the JMS Burn Center in Augusta, Ga.

On the unofficial student website for the University of West Georgia's psychology department, Copeland's family called her "a bright star, lover of life, infinitely generous of heart and spirit."

The psychology department is organizing a blood drive in Copeland's honor. It will be held May 15 on the University of West Georgia campus from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

In addition, the South Gwinnett Rotary Club, of which Andy Copeland is a member, is in the process of setting up a blood drive locally. (Updates on Aimee Copeland's progress and the upcomng blood drive can also be found on the rotary club's Facebook page.)

A fund also has been established to help the family. To donate monies, make checks payable to "Aimee's Fund" and deposit at any United Community Bank. Or, send monies to: "Aimee’s Fund", c/o United Community Bank, 119 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30117. The phone number there is 770-838-9608.

Attempts to reach the Copeland family directly were unsuccessful.