David Gębala, father of Maya Gębala — the young survivor of the Tumbler Ridge school incident — says his daughter continues to show remarkable courage as she moves through a long and challenging recovery.
He shared that the last 109 days have brought countless medical procedures, emotional struggles, and many sleepless nights for their family. The uncertainty that followed the incident left them facing fears no parent ever wants to experience.
David said many people tell him and Maya’s mother, Cia, that they seem strong, but he admitted there are still days when the weight of everything feels overwhelming. Old photos and memories often remind him of how much their lives have changed, bringing tears and heartache.
What keeps him going, however, is Maya herself. He described her as brave, determined, and stronger than anyone realizes. Recently, she has been enjoying time outside and making encouraging progress in therapy. She is working on standing with assistance, strengthening her body, holding her head up longer, and sitting with minimal support. The family has also been encouraged to see signs that she may be regaining some ability to swallow liquids, including her favorite orange Gatorade.
David said recovery remains a slow process, but each small victory brings hope. He wants Maya to know she is deeply loved and that her family will continue standing beside her through every challenge ahead.
Please join in wishing Maya continued strength, healing, and brighter days as she continues her recovery journey.
Maya Gębala is currently at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, where she continues to make slow, miraculous steps toward recovery following a tragic mass shooting
As a 12-year-old survivor of the devastating February 10, 2026, shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, Maya suffered catastrophic head and neck injuries but has continuously defied medical expectations.
Medical Status & Physical Milestones
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- Recent Skull Surgery: On May 5, 2026, Maya underwent her fifth major operation—a successful cranioplasty to implant a prosthetic skull piece meant to stabilize head pressure and reduce swelling.
- Current Therapy Progress: Updates from her father, David Gębala, indicate she is making gradual progress in physical therapy. She is practicing sitting up with minimal support, holding her head up for longer periods, and working on standing with assistance.
- Regaining Vital Functions: She has shown early signs of regaining her ability to swallow liquids (such as her favorite orange Gatorade). Her eye movements are alert, allowing her to follow her favorite TV shows.
Cognitive & Communication State
While her parents celebrate her immense defiance and fighting spirit, her mother, Cia Edmonds, shared that Maya still faces a profoundly difficult path. She is currently unable to articulate her feelings or explicitly communicate, though her family notes her eyes make it clear “she is in there still.”
Family and Financial Hardships []
Despite raising over $500,000 on GoFundMe, the family is currently facing a severe logistical and financial crisis due to the hyper-expensive housing market in Vancouver near BC Children’s Hospital. Because they had to forfeit their business and spend vast amounts on short-term rentals, her mother recently revealed they have been forced to live “between the back of my car and a couch in the hospital” while looking for accessible accommodations. They are also actively looking into specialized neuro-specific trauma facilities globally for her next stage of advanced treatment.
