Tumbler Ridge Shooting Survivor

Maya Gebala her birthday September 20th is a 13‑year‑old survivor of the February 2026 Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia school shooting, who has made remarkable progress in recovery With steady hope.

Background of the Shooting

On February 10, 2026, 12‑year‑old Maya was shot three times — in the head, cheek, and neck — during a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The attack, carried out by 18‑year‑old Jesse van Rootselaar, killed eight people, including students, an educator, and the shooter’s mother and half‑brother CBC+1. Maya was airlifted to B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, where she underwent at least five complex surgeries CBC+1.

Maya, who was shot twice—in the neck and the head—during the rampage that left nine dead and 27 injured, underwent emergency surgery but continues to heal gradually. Surgeons showed the family CT scans with noticeable improvement. Her father described some movement in her right arm and leg and her left eye reacting to light. The family remains cautious but hopeful, taking it day by day.

“The doctors diagnosed a left cranial nerve palsy, specifically involving the third cranial nerve,” he wrote. “This nerve helps control the eye’s ability to move inward (toward the nose) and upward. Because all the nerves work together, they don’t believe this will be completely debilitating; it may just make the eye a little ‘lazier’ than the other.”

He added that “there is communication between both eyes” and the doctors “are optimistic that she can see out of her left eye as well.” In an update on her Facebook page , Edmonds shared the family had been unable to relocate to L.A., despite previously accepting an offer from Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White to pay for Maya’s treatment and the family’s accommodation in the city, because Maya was “too fragile” to risk travelling.

Maya Gebala ‘gets to experience life again’ as family shares hopeful updates

Recovery Journey

Early stage: Maya was unable to move or speak for months after the injury CBC.
Medical progress: She has been treated at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, with her family also considering relocation for ongoing care CBC.
Communication breakthrough: In June 2026, she began using a tablet with a “yes/no” button app to communicate, marking a major step forward CityNews Toronto.
Emotional milestone: In September 2026, her mother, Cia Edmonds, shared a video of Maya saying “Mom” in a raspy voice — a moment Edmonds said she had prayed for for months CHVN Radio.
Recent activities: In September 2026, Maya celebrated her 13th birthday in Vancouver, participating in bowling, air hockey, and attending a Foo Fighters concert, showing significant functional improvement CBC.

Family and Support

Her parents, Cia and David Gebala, have shared updates on social media, describing the journey as “one step at a time” and noting both setbacks and victories CHVN Radio. A GoFundMe campaign launched by Maya’s cousin has raised over $598,000 of a $650,000 goal to support her recovery and her mother’s care GoFundMe.

Current Status

As of the latest reports, Maya is awake, aware, and able to recognize her mother, but still cannot move her body or speak without assistive technology CBC+1. Her family hopes for continued progress, with her mother expressing pride in her resilience and the “miracles” she is showing CHVN Radio.

Key takeaway: Maya Gebala’s story reflects both the severity of her injuries and the remarkable strides in her recovery, supported by her family, medical team, and public donations.

Tumbler Ridge shooting survivor Maya Gebala given a ‘brain holiday’ by neurosurgeons, her father says

Mother of critically injured Tumbler Ridge victim says she feels compassion for shooter’s mother | Radio-Canada.ca

Injuries and Medical Condition

According to court filings, a bullet shattered bone fragments through her brain CBC. She has been awake and aware, recognizing her mother’s voice and face, but has been unable to move her body or speak for much of her recovery CBC.

Recovery Milestones

September 2026: Maya celebrated her 13th birthday in Vancouver, activities including bowling, air hockey, and attending a Foo Fighters concert CBC+1.
Earlier in 2026: Her mother, Cia Edmonds, shared a video of Maya saying “Mom” in a raspy voice — a moment Edmonds described as a long‑prayed‑for milestone CHVN Radio+1.
Edmonds notes Maya is still in hospital, sometimes upset about wanting to go home, but showing “fragments of her blossoming into a version of her former self” CHVN Radio.

Family and Public Support

Maya’s parents have shared frequent updates on social media, highlighting both setbacks and victories CBC+2. A GoFundMe campaign launched by her cousin has raised over $598,000 CAD of a $650,000 goal to support Maya’s care and her mother’s expenses GoFundMe.

Personal Notes from Family

Her mother wrote: “13 looks different but you wear it well… I am watching you become someone new, again and again… Thank you for staying with us” CBC+1. Edmonds also described Maya’s recovery as “one step at a time” and “miracles” CHVN Radio.

In summary:

Maya Gebala’s journey is one of resilience after a catastrophic injury. While her recovery is ongoing, she has achieved significant milestones, including verbal communication, participation in celebratory activities, and public recognition of her strength CBC+2.

Fundraiser for Cia Edmonds: Support For Maya In Her Road To Recovery

Maya keeps proving just how strong she truly is.

Through every difficult day…

Every painful moment…

And every challenge placed in front of her…

She continues to fight with courage that inspires thousands of people around the world.

This little warrior has already overcome so much.

Yet she keeps holding on.

Keeps healing.

Keeps showing everyone what true strength looks like.

There are still hard days ahead.

There are still prayers being whispered every night.

But there is also hope.

Hope for healing.

Hope for brighter days.

Hope for the moment we get to see Maya smile freely again.

Sweet girl, never forget how many hearts are standing beside you every single day.

No matter how long the journey may be, Maya’s story continues to remind people that even after unimaginable pain, the human spirit can still shine through.

Her strength has become something bigger than words — a reminder that courage is not about never being afraid, but about continuing to move forward even when the road feels impossible.

Every update from her family brings another wave of relief, hope, and emotion to the thousands of people who have been praying for her since the very beginning.

And while recovery is still ongoing, one thing has become clear to everyone following her journey:

Maya is not fighting alone.

An entire community — and people from around the world — continue standing behind her, cheering for every victory, every smile, and every step forward.

Keep shining, sweet girl. Your light is reaching farther than you could ever imagine.

There is something incredibly powerful about MAYA’s determination.

Even through the hardest moments, her story continues to inspire hope.

Every small step forward carries meaning and reminds us to keep believing.

MAYA deserves all the love, encouragement, and prayers surrounding her.

May her path ahead be filled with healing, courage, and beautiful days. #maya strong

Mother of critically injured Tumbler Ridge victim says she feels compassion for shooter’s mother | CBC News

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