😭 “We were told that the damage to her brain was too severe for her to survive… My baby needs a miracle.” 😭

This heartbreaking cry comes straight from the mom of 12-year-old Maya Gebala—the brave girl who risked everything to protect her classmates during the Tumbler Ridge nightmare.

Doctors warned her family the damage was overwhelming and she might not make it through the night… but against all odds, Maya held on.

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In the remote coal-mining town of Tumbler Ridge, where tragedy struck on February 10, 2026, one young survivor’s fight for life has captured national attention. Twelve-year-old Maya Gebala remains in critical condition at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver after sustaining gunshot wounds during the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School that claimed eight lives, including five students and a staff member.

Maya’s mother, Cia Edmonds, shared a raw, emotional update on social media: “We were told that the damage to her brain was too severe for her to survive… My baby needs a miracle.” The words reflect the family’s anguish following emergency surgery to address a brain bleed and significant swelling caused by injuries to Maya’s head and neck.

According to family members and reports from Global News, the National Post, and People magazine, Maya was airlifted to the Vancouver hospital in “extreme critical condition” shortly after the attack. Her aunt, Krysta Hunt, told media that doctors performed surgery to repair the brain bleed, but the girl faces ongoing challenges with swelling and an uncertain prognosis. “They’re trying to push the family… to make a decision, but right now we’re not ready for that,” Hunt said.

Edmonds described the day beginning normally before descending into horror. In a Facebook post, she wrote that Maya had been shot while attempting to lock a library door to shield classmates from the gunman. The heroic act, corroborated by relatives, has drawn widespread admiration amid the grief.

Despite the dire warnings—doctors initially indicating the brain damage might prove insurmountable and that Maya “wouldn’t make the night”—she survived the critical first hours. Edmonds later shared small but meaningful signs of response: “She’s moved her hand… a stimulus, a kick, a hand move, but it’s something.” These updates, posted amid overwhelming community support, underscore the family’s clinging hope.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by Hunt to cover medical costs, travel expenses, and allow Edmonds to remain at her daughter’s bedside has raised substantial funds rapidly, reflecting public outpouring. The page describes Maya as a “fighter” who loves sports, particularly ice hockey, and highlights the unknown recovery timeline.

The shooting unfolded when 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar allegedly killed her mother, Jennifer Jacobs, 39, and 11-year-old stepbrother Emmett Jacobs at their home before heading to the school armed with firearms. At the school, the suspect killed five students—Zoey Benoit, 12; Ticaria Lampert, 12; Kylie Smith, 12; Abel Mwansa, 12; and Ezekiel Schofield, 13—and 39-year-old education assistant Shannda Aviugana-Durand. More than two dozen others were injured, with Maya and another student among the most severely wounded.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed Van Rootselaar died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after engaging officers. Prior wellness checks related to mental health had occurred at the home, though no criminal prohibitions on firearms existed under Canada’s laws.

Maya’s case has drawn particular focus due to her age, reported bravery, and the family’s public appeals. Edmonds has expressed profound sorrow not just for her daughter but for the entire shattered community: “My heart bleeds for everyone who is trying to process this horrific string of events.” She has posted photos of Maya in the hospital, heavily bandaged, emphasizing the human toll.

Medical experts note that severe traumatic brain injuries from gunshot wounds often involve complex factors like swelling, bleeding, and potential long-term neurological impacts. Induced comas and intensive monitoring are common to manage intracranial pressure, but outcomes vary widely. No specific details on Maya’s current treatment regimen have been released beyond surgery and critical care.

The broader Tumbler Ridge community, home to about 2,500 residents, has responded with vigils, memorials of flowers and notes, and signs proclaiming “Tumbler Ridge Strong.” Families of victims and survivors have shared tributes emphasizing the children’s innocence and potential—many described as kind, creative, and full of dreams.

British Columbia officials, including Premier David Eby, have pledged enhanced mental health resources and reviews of relevant protocols. Federal leaders have expressed solidarity, with plans for a national vigil. The incident, rare in Canada’s context of strict gun laws and low firearm violence rates, has prompted reflection on school safety, youth mental health, and community resilience.

For Maya Gebala and her family, the immediate priority remains survival and stabilization. Edmonds’s plea—”Our baby needs a miracle”—has resonated online and in media, with thousands offering prayers and donations. As doctors monitor for further signs of improvement, the hope persists that this young survivor, who acted selflessly in crisis, will continue to defy expectations.

The road to recovery—if achieved—will likely be long, involving rehabilitation and support. Yet in the face of profound loss, Maya’s story stands as a poignant reminder of courage amid tragedy and the enduring power of community solidarity.