In a hopeful development, Maya Gebala, the 12-year-old survivor of the tragic Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, has opened one of her eyes and is beginning to move her hand, according to a recent update from her mother, Cia Edmonds. The news offers a glimmer of progress as Maya remains in intensive care at a Vancouver hospital, where she has been since the February 10 incident.
Signs of Improvement in Intensive Care
Edmonds shared a video on Facebook showing Maya in her hospital bed, with one eye open while the other remains taped closed. In the footage, Edmonds can be seen clasping her daughter's hand, highlighting the emotional moment. "Her eye is open and she's responding and moving around," Edmonds said. "And she's moving her hand. But her eye is open." This update marks a significant milestone in Maya's recovery journey, which has been closely followed by the community and supporters nationwide.
Background of the Tumbler Ridge Tragedy
The shooting occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where Maya was reportedly trying to lock the shooter out of the library to protect her classmates. The incident resulted in eight fatalities, including five students, one teacher, and the shooter's mother and stepbrother. Maya was one of two survivors airlifted to Vancouver for medical treatment; the other, Paige Hoekstra, was released on February 16 to continue her recovery in Tumbler Ridge.
Family Updates and Community Support
Maya's family has been providing regular updates through social media and a GoFundMe page, which has garnered widespread support. In a recent post, her father, David Gebala, noted that pressure on her ventilator had been reduced because she is now taking her own breaths. "Every single day, you show us just how strong, determined, and incredible you truly are," he wrote. "You continue to defy every expectation the doctors and surgeons once prepared us for."
Ongoing Challenges and Related News
Meanwhile, the family of another victim, Kylie Smith, has faced additional hardships, having to postpone a celebration of life for their 12-year-old daughter due to safety threats from what they describe as "a very dangerous person." This underscores the lingering trauma and challenges faced by the Tumbler Ridge community in the aftermath of the shooting.
As Maya Gebala continues her fight for recovery, her progress serves as a beacon of hope amid the tragedy, with medical professionals and loved ones monitoring her condition closely for further improvements.
