The mother of Maya Gebala, critically injured in the Tumbler Ridge school shooting, says her daughter is preparing for a fifth surgery that could be her last. Cia Edmonds, Maya’s mother, hopes this procedure will relieve pressure and potentially restore function to her eye and facial muscles.

Fifth Surgery Offers Hope for Recovery

This upcoming surgery marks the fifth Maya has undergone since the devastating incident in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Edmonds expresses hope that it will be the final step in her daughter’s long medical journey.

Addressing Brain Swelling

Medical professionals are focused on addressing swelling within Maya’s brain, in the area where a portion of her skull is absent. They believe a prosthetic barrier will introduce necessary pressure, minimizing cerebral fluid flow and alleviating the swelling.

Potential for Facial Function

The surgery aims to regulate pressure within Maya’s head, specifically targeting her left eye and facial structures. Edmonds hopes this will allow Maya’s left eye to reopen and potentially regain the ability to smile.

Background of the Tragedy

The shooting was perpetrated by 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who fatally shot Maya’s mother and half-brother before escalating the violence to the school. Five students and an educational assistant were also killed before Van Rootselaar took their own life.

Community Support

A GoFundMe campaign organized by Krysta Hunt has been established to support the family’s needs during this difficult time. The outpouring of support demonstrates widespread compassion for Maya’s recovery.

Reporting by The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press (CP), a national news agency founded in 1917, has been providing ongoing coverage of the tragedy and Maya’s progress. CP delivers news, photos, videos, and multimedia content to media outlets across Canada and internationally.

The medical team remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and rehabilitation. Edmonds and her family are grateful for the unwavering support from the community.