Maya Gebala Shows Signs of Recovery After Tumbler Ridge School Shooting
Tumbler Ridge shooting survivor Maya Gebala is demonstrating encouraging signs of progress according to her mother, Cia Edmonds, who remains cautiously optimistic about her daughter's recovery journey. The 12-year-old girl, who was critically injured during the February 10th mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, continues to fight for her life at B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver.
Movement and Response Observed
In a recent update shared through Maya's GoFundMe page, which has raised an impressive $420,000 to date, Edmonds revealed that her daughter is showing increased movement on her left side. "She's moving quite a bit more on her left side. No movement on her right," Edmonds wrote, noting that this represents significant progress since the shooting.
Perhaps most encouraging are the subtle signs of responsiveness that Maya's mother has observed. "When Maya is seemingly 'awake,' her eyes are starting to flutter," Edmonds reported. "I've stood at the floor of her bed to massage her feet and I feel as though her eyes follow my voice." These small indications suggest that Maya may be processing auditory stimuli despite her critical condition.
The Heroic Attempt That Saved Lives
Maya's story has captured national attention not only because of her injuries but because of her heroic actions during the shooting. According to reports, the young student attempted to lock a library door as the 18-year-old shooter approached the school. Tragically, the door lock was broken, preventing her from securing the room.
Five people died inside the library during the attack, with another victim found in a stairwell. Maya herself hid under a desk but was shot three times by the assailant. One bullet grazed her cheek and ear, while the second and third bullets struck her in the head and neck, causing devastating injuries.
Significant Brain Injuries and Uncertain Future
Medical assessments have revealed substantial damage to the left side of Maya's brain. "Where the bullet entered and exited, it tore right through," Edmonds explained in her update. The swelling surrounding the damaged area makes it difficult for doctors to predict how much function Maya might eventually regain.
Concerningly, Maya's eyes are not reacting to light, suggesting potential vision impairment. However, there are positive developments in her care - she has been cleared for a feeding tube and is no longer considered at immediate risk of passing away.
"Because of the damage and swelling surrounding it, it is hard to say how much response and deliberate function she will be able to regain. However, we are hopeful," Edmonds wrote, capturing the emotional rollercoaster that families of critically injured patients often experience.
A Mother's Emotional Journey
Cia Edmonds has maintained a constant vigil at her daughter's bedside, providing updates to a concerned public while navigating the unimaginable stress of having a child in critical condition. Her words reflect both hope and apprehension about the recovery process ahead.
"The progress is so uplifting, I dread the day it plateaus," she confessed. "There are a lot of positives, of course, but this recovery won't be linear. I still sing to her, talk to her, tell her how proud we are and that the entire world is cheering her on."
Community Support and Investigation Progress
The Tumbler Ridge community continues to rally around Maya and other victims of the shooting. The substantial funds raised through the GoFundMe campaign demonstrate widespread support for the family's medical expenses and recovery needs.
Meanwhile, investigative work continues at the scene of the tragedy. According to The Canadian Press, the RCMP removed yellow tape surrounding Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Monday, returning control to the Peace River South school district. This marks a significant step in the community's gradual return to normalcy following the devastating event that claimed eight lives, including six children and two adults, before the 18-year-old shooter took their own life when confronted by police.
As Maya Gebala continues her fight for recovery in Vancouver, her story serves as both a testament to human resilience and a sobering reminder of the lasting impact of school violence on individuals, families, and communities across Canada.
