UFC President Dana White Funds Rehab for Tumbler Ridge Shooting Survivor
The family of Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old survivor of the tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has accepted an extraordinary offer from UFC President Dana White to cover her rehabilitation expenses. Gebala, who suffered severe brain damage in the February 10 incident, will travel to Los Angeles for specialized private care, with White providing full financial support for both medical treatment and family accommodations.
Family Embraces Opportunity Amid Uncertainty
Maya's mother, Cia Edmonds, announced the decision on Facebook, expressing a mix of excitement and apprehension. "After many nights of research, questioning, and fear of the unknown, we decided to say yes to an opportunity for an aggressive approach to her rehabilitation through privatized health care," Edmonds wrote. She acknowledged the challenges of being away from family and resources but emphasized that this was an opportunity they could not refuse.
Currently, Maya remains at B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver, where she must stabilize before making the transfer to Los Angeles. The family is awaiting the coordination of logistics to begin this new chapter in her recovery journey.
Dana White's Generous Intervention
White initially reached out to the Gebala family on March 25, just a week after Maya had been in intensive care following the shooting, which left her with head and neck injuries. He offered to fully pay for her medical needs at a top-tier hospital in Los Angeles, though the specific facility was not named. Edmonds described the gesture as "incredible," noting her renewed hope for Maya's recovery.
In a show of solidarity, the UFC also honored Maya during a February 21 event in Houston, where her name was displayed on one of the Octagon's supports. Her father, David Gebala, shared a video of the tribute, calling it a "big shout out to the UFC for doing this for our amazing little warrior Maya."
Background of the Tumbler Ridge Tragedy
The mass shooting in the remote B.C. town of Tumbler Ridge on February 10 resulted in six fatalities at a school and two additional deaths in a home. Maya was shot by 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar during the incident, which has left a lasting impact on the community. As the Gebala family prepares for their move to Los Angeles, Edmonds reflected on the future, writing, "My hope is when we land in LA we will be able to build routine and relationships, that will hopefully feel normal(ish)?"
This story highlights the intersection of personal tragedy, community support, and unexpected acts of kindness from public figures. Maya's journey to recovery, supported by Dana White's generosity, serves as a beacon of hope amid the devastation of the Tumbler Ridge shooting.
