Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia — In a heartfelt Facebook post that has brought a wave of hope to a community still reeling from tragedy, the father of 12-year-old Maya Gebala, one of the young victims of the February mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., has revealed a significant milestone in her long road to recovery.

David Gebala announced that his daughter has been transferred out of the intensive care unit (ICU) at B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver and moved into a specialized “recovery and rehab-focused unit.” The news marks a turning point after weeks of uncertainty following the shooting, which left Maya with serious injuries, including a gunshot wound to the head.

In his emotional update, Gebala described how Maya is showing clear signs of improvement. “She doesn’t seem to be in as much pain now,” he wrote. “She’s more energetic, and her colour is coming back.” These small but powerful changes have given the family renewed strength after what he called a “whirlwind” of highs and lows during her time in the ICU.

The days in intensive care tested the family’s resilience, with constant medical interventions and fluctuating vital signs keeping them on edge. Yet Gebala emphasized that Maya is “slowly making progress,” a phrase that carries the weight of cautious optimism after such a traumatic event.

One of the most touching moments came when hospital therapists helped Maya sit up for the first time since the shooting. Gebala said he was “completely overwhelmed” as he watched his daughter achieve this milestone. For the first time in weeks, he was finally able to wrap his arms around her in a full embrace.

“I can’t put into words how it felt in that moment,” he shared. “All I wanted to do was lift her up, hold her close and never let go.”

The father’s words paint a vivid picture of a parent’s profound relief and love after fearing the worst. The simple act of hugging his daughter — something taken for granted before the tragedy — now feels like a precious gift and a symbol of Maya’s fighting spirit.

Maya continues to receive comprehensive care at B.C. Children’s Hospital, where a dedicated team of specialists is supporting her physical and neurological rehabilitation. While her recovery is still in its early stages, the move to the rehab unit signals that doctors believe she has stabilized enough to focus on regaining strength, mobility, and independence.

The Gebala family’s update has resonated deeply with the tight-knit Tumbler Ridge community and beyond, offering a glimmer of light amid the grief that followed the February shooting. As Maya takes these tentative steps forward, her father’s message serves as both a celebration of her progress and a reminder of the long journey still ahead.

The family has asked for continued privacy as they focus on Maya’s healing, but David Gebala’s post stands as a powerful testament to a father’s unwavering hope and the resilience of a young girl determined to reclaim her life.