In the quiet town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, a nightmare unfolded on a seemingly ordinary school day when an 18-year-old opened fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, claiming multiple lives and leaving devastation in its wake. Among the victims was 12-year-old Maya Gebala, a bright, outgoing Grade 7 student known for her infectious smile, love of ice hockey, and kind heart. Maya didn’t run or hide—she bravely tried to protect her classmates by attempting to secure a library door against the attacker, only for the lock to fail. In that split-second act of heroism, she was struck multiple times, suffering gunshot wounds to the head and neck that doctors initially feared would prove fatal.

Rushed by airlift to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, Maya entered critical care in a medically induced coma. Her family, led by devoted mother Cia Edmonds and father David Gebala, faced the unimaginable: significant brain damage, fragments lodged inside, swelling in her brain, and the inability to breathe independently. Doctors prepared them for the worst, outlining grim scenarios and uncertain timelines. Yet, day by day, against all odds, Maya has clung to life with a fighter’s spirit.

After five harrowing days of round-the-clock vigil, the family shared heart-wrenching yet uplifting updates from her bedside. Maya is showing what they describe as “hopeful signs” of recovery—subtle movements on her left side, small coughs, and flickers of response that have brought tears of cautious joy. Repeatedly, amid the beeps of machines and the weight of uncertainty, the words echoing in the room are simple but powerful: “She’s still here.” These words have become a mantra of resilience, a reminder that their little girl, who once lit up the ice rink and classrooms with her energy, refuses to surrender.

The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. A GoFundMe campaign launched by relatives to cover medical costs, long-term care, and family needs has surged past the $1 million mark, fueled by thousands of strangers moved by Maya’s story. Donations continue to flood in from across Canada and beyond, including from notable figures in the hockey community who admire her passion for the sport. Every contribution represents not just financial help but a collective embrace for a child who embodied courage in the face of terror.

Maya’s journey is far from over. Recovery from such severe injuries will be long, complex, and filled with challenges—potential lifelong needs for support, therapy, and adaptation. Yet her family’s focus remains on the positives: the easing of brain swelling, the tiny victories in movement, and the unbreakable bond holding them together. They express profound gratitude for the compassion shown, even extending empathy to others affected by the tragedy.

In a world too often shadowed by violence, Maya’s fight reminds us of the extraordinary strength found in the youngest among us. She’s still here—and that alone is a beacon of hope. As prayers and donations continue, the world watches, hearts heavy but lifted, for the next chapter in this young hero’s remarkable story.