Jeremy Writebol, who lives in Wichita, told NBC’s “Today” show in an interview broadcast Tuesday that Nancy Writenbol’s eyes are getting brighter and she’s even joking a little.

Jeremy Writebol said he had been concerned his mother might not make it when she was taken out of an ambulance at Emory University’s hospital last week after being flown from Liberia. A second American, Dr. Kent Brantly, had been able to walk from the ambulance into the hospital.

Writebol said doctors have said they expect her to recover, though they haven’t elaborated. He also said he wouldn’t be surprised if his parents want to return to Liberia after she recovers.