Maya Gebala, the 12-year-old victim of the Tumbler Ridge school shooting, is set to undergo her fourth surgery this Saturday, according to a social media update from her mother, Cia Edmonds. The procedure will involve placing a prosthetic piece of her skull, marking another critical step in her arduous recovery journey.
Medical Condition and Hospitalization
Maya remains in a medically induced coma in the intensive-care unit at B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. She sustained severe injuries after being shot twice—once in the neck and once in the head—during the February 10 shooting rampage carried out by 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar. The incident, which occurred at her school in Tumbler Ridge, resulted in nine fatalities and 27 injuries, with Maya being one of two students airlifted to hospital for emergency care.
Family Updates and Emotional Struggles
Through updates on the family’s GoFundMe page, organized by Krysta Hunt, Edmonds has detailed the emotional and physical challenges faced over the past month and a half. She described the period as a fog, filled with setbacks such as infections and multiple surgeries. Despite these hurdles, Edmonds noted that Maya has shown signs of resilience, including moving, coughing, and seeing through one eye, defying initial expectations.
However, Maya continues to grapple with significant health issues. She has no movement on her right side, cannot speak, and struggles with swallowing. Yet, her mother emphasizes that Maya is fighting to survive, evidenced by deliberate actions like grabbing at painful areas, kicking with her good leg to reposition herself, and turning her head—a new development. Edmonds shared that Maya often reaches for her sore head, prompting her mother to reassure her that recovery will come in time.
Bravery During the Shooting
Maya was shot while attempting to protect her classmates in the school library during the rampage. Family members have been told that the seventh grader displayed extraordinary bravery and selflessness beyond her years. The shooter fired multiple shots, with one grazing Maya’s cheek and ear, and two others striking her in the head and neck. In the aftermath, a classmate noticed Maya’s finger moving and alerted first responders, ensuring she received prompt medical attention before being airlifted to hospital.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
The upcoming surgery to implant the prosthetic skull piece is part of a series of medical interventions aimed at stabilizing Maya’s condition. Edmonds, through Hunt’s posts, has expressed gratitude for the support received via the fundraiser, which has helped cover medical expenses and provided emotional sustenance during this trying time. The family remains hopeful as they navigate the unpredictable path of recovery, with Maya’s fighting spirit serving as a beacon of strength.
As the community rallies behind Maya and her family, the focus remains on her medical progress and the long road ahead. Updates from Edmonds continue to shed light on the day-to-day battles, underscoring the profound impact of the tragedy on those affected.
