Maya Gebala, the 12-year-old girl who was shot during the tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in February, has successfully undergone her fifth surgery. The procedure, a cranioplasty, took place on Monday, and her father, David, has indicated that it may be her last major operation.
Successful Surgery and Recovery
David Gebala announced on X Tuesday that the cranioplasty was a success. However, Maya has again developed hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain, which the family hopes will resolve on its own. Despite this setback, Maya is showing encouraging signs of recovery. She is looking around and moving her hand and leg, demonstrating her resilience.
Scary Moments Before Surgery
In the days leading up to the surgery, Maya experienced concerning symptoms. Her mother, Cia Edmonds, shared on Facebook that Maya's head, where the missing skull flap was, had swollen, deflated, and swollen again. She also vomited almost daily for weeks without a clear cause. The goal of the cranioplasty was to implant a prosthetic skull piece to help regulate intracranial pressure and reduce fluid buildup.
Edmonds expressed hope that the new prosthetic barrier would increase pressure to minimize cerebral spinal fluid flow and potentially relieve pressure on Maya's eye, allowing it to open. She acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Maya's condition, noting that the brain remains a mystery.
Post-Surgery Progress
David Gebala described the emotional moment after surgery when Maya opened her eye and lifted her head to look around. Throughout the day, she continued to regain her pre-surgery spark, moving her hand and leg, squeezing her parents' fingers, and looking around with curiosity. He praised her incredible strength and fighting spirit, saying, "Our sweet, innocent little girl has been through so much. It breaks my heart to watch her endure all of this, but at the same time, I've never been more proud of what a fighter she is."
Horrific Injuries and Global Support
Maya suffered severe brain damage in the Feb. 10 mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, which left nine people dead, including the shooter. She is currently recovering at B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver. Her parents have been documenting her progress on social media, attracting widespread global support. Notably, UFC president Dana White has offered to assist with her rehabilitation once Maya is stable enough to be transferred.
