The devastating mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada, on February 10, 2026, left a small mining community shattered and the nation in mourning. The attacker, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar—a former student—killed her mother and 11-year-old half-brother at home before heading to the school, where she fatally shot five students and one education assistant, injured 27 others (including two critically), and then took her own life. It marked one of Canada’s deadliest school shootings in decades, prompting widespread grief, calls for inquiry, and scrutiny over mental health, gun access, and online influences.

Amid the tragedy’s aftermath, 12-year-old Maya Gebala has emerged as a powerful symbol of resilience. Shot in the head and neck while reportedly trying to protect classmates, Maya was airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver in critical condition. Doctors initially warned her family that the brain damage was severe, giving her little chance to survive the night. Her mother, Cia Edmonds, and father, David Gebala, have shared raw, emotional updates from her bedside, describing a rollercoaster of fear, small victories, and unwavering hope.

In heartfelt social media posts and interviews, David’s words capture the family’s spirit: “She’s Not Giving Up.” Despite facing complications including pneumonia, MRSA, meningitis, cerebral fluid leaks, and multiple brain surgeries—including an emergency procedure for fluid buildup—Maya has defied grim prognoses. Early on, she lay motionless in a medically induced coma. Gradually, she began showing signs of progress: tiny voluntary breaths allowing a shift from full ventilator support to pressure support, movements on her left side (and later right), opening her right eye, and responding to stimuli by moving her hand and leg.

Cia Edmonds has documented these milestones tenderly, noting shifts from “goodbyes” to “recovery” phases. “My baby is in there,” she wrote early on, expressing both heartbreak and belief in Maya’s strength. By mid-February, updates highlighted her “amazing progress” and “defying every expectation.” A recent family statement emphasized her ongoing fight in intensive care, with David praising her courage amid the nation’s support.

The family has leaned on community love, including a GoFundMe (organized by relative Krysta Hunt) to cover expenses so Cia can stay by Maya’s side. Donations have poured in, alongside rallies from the hockey community and messages of solidarity. Maya’s story has touched hearts nationwide, with many drawing inspiration from her determination in the face of unimaginable trauma.

Other survivors, like 19-year-old Paige Hoekstra (shot in the chest), have been cleared to return home, offering glimmers of hope. Yet the road remains long for Maya, with recovery uncertain and the full extent of her injuries still unfolding.

Table: Key Updates on Maya Gebala’s Condition (February–March 2026)

Date/Period
Update/Details

Feb 10, 2026
Shooting occurs; Maya critically injured, airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital. Doctors warn survival unlikely through the night.

Feb 11–13, 2026
Remains in extreme critical condition; family shares initial despair but holds hope.

Feb 16, 2026
Showing left-side movement; progress described as “uplifting” by mother.

Feb 17–20, 2026
Begins initiating small breaths; ventilator adjusted; father meets another victim’s dad for mutual encouragement.

Feb 21, 2026
Emergency surgery for brain fluid buildup (successful); opens right eye, responds, moves right-side limbs.

Late Feb–Early March
Continues fighting infections/surgeries; family shifts focus to recovery; “She’s Not Giving Up” sentiment echoed.

This brave girl’s battle has united people in prayers and calls for better mental health support and school safety. As her family clings to every small sign of improvement, Maya’s resilience reminds us of the human capacity to endure. The nation watches, hoping for more miracles in her journey.