Joseph Skillings, who was attacked while he attempted to call 911 to help a woman in distress, is gradually improving at Harborview Medical Center. “With help, Mr. Skillings sat on the edge of his bed for a moment,” explains an online journal updated by family and friends. “He continues to look around at his room and us. He also ate a very small amount of food and sipped some water. These are small but important victories.”

So far, police report no arrests in his assault.