Family spokesman and relatives have shared that the injuries mimic stroke effects

 MIRACLE MOMENT: 12-year-old Maya Gebala has OPENED her RIGHT EYE and is RESPONDING – she’s even moving parts of her body after doctors said she might not survive the night! 

Her mom Cia Edmonds captured the tear-jerking moment in a hospital room video: “Her eye is open and she’s responding and moving around… she is moving her hands!” Now updates confirm…

In a development that has brought hope to a grieving community and supporters worldwide, 12-year-old Maya Gebala – one of the survivors of the February 10 mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School – has opened her right eye, begun responding to stimuli, and demonstrated movement in parts of her body, her family announced in recent social media updates.

The breakthrough comes after more than a week of critical condition following gunshot wounds to her head and neck. Maya was airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, where she underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure from fluid buildup on her brain. Doctors had initially warned her family that survival was unlikely, with severe brain damage likened to a stroke and bullet fragments lodged in her brain.

Maya’s mother, Cia Edmonds, shared a video from the hospital room showing her daughter with one eye open – the right eye – while the left remained taped shut, a common practice in intensive care to protect the eye. In the clip, Edmonds described the moment: “Her eye is open and she’s responding and moving around, and she is moving her hands.” Subsequent family posts on GoFundMe and Facebook confirmed further progress: Maya is now moving her right hand and leg, marking significant improvement from earlier reports of no movement on her right side.

The family expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support, writing: “Such Exciting News. Maya Has Opened Her Right Eye And Is Responding. She Is Moving Her Hand And Leg On Her Right Side. This Is Amazing Progress. Thank you to everyone near and far that has prayed, sent love, food, donations, flowers, cards, etc.” They noted she continues to progress “a little bit each day,” with small initiations of her own breaths and eye flickers indicating healing.

The shooting at the remote northern British Columbia school left six dead: five students and one teacher’s aide. The suspect, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, allegedly killed his mother and brother at home before heading to the school and opening fire in the library. Authorities described Maya as attempting to protect classmates during the rampage, earning her widespread recognition as a hero.

Early updates painted a grim picture. Days after the attack, family members reported doctors saying the brain damage was extensive, with Maya in a medically induced coma and reliant on a ventilator. One relative noted she had no purposeful movement on her right side, and recovery prospects were limited. Yet Maya defied expectations repeatedly: surviving the first night, initiating breaths on her own, showing slight eye dilation, and now opening her eye and moving limbs.

Family spokesman and relatives have shared that the injuries mimic stroke effects, with potential permanent limitations on the right side. Doctors have cautioned that recovery will not be linear, and decisions about next steps – including possible additional procedures – are guided by the ongoing presence of bullet fragments. Despite the challenges, the family remains focused on small victories. Edmonds has sung to her daughter, massaged her feet, and spoken of believing “my baby is in there.”

The community response has been massive. A GoFundMe campaign to support Maya’s recovery and family expenses has drawn thousands of donations and messages. Prayers and well-wishes have poured in from across Canada and beyond, with public figures and everyday people sharing updates. Fathers of other victims, including one whose son was killed, met Maya’s father David Gebala at the hospital, offering mutual encouragement amid shared grief.

Investigators continue probing the shooting, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police detailing the suspect’s actions and motives still under review. The tragedy has reignited debates over school safety in rural areas, gun access, and mental health support for youth. Tumbler Ridge, a small mining town of about 2,000, has been left reeling, with memorials and support groups forming for affected families.

Medical experts not directly involved in the case have noted that such recoveries in pediatric gunshot victims to the head are rare but possible, especially with rapid intervention. Opening an eye and responding to stimuli can indicate emerging consciousness from coma-like states, while voluntary limb movements suggest neural pathways beginning to reconnect. However, long-term outcomes vary widely – from partial recovery to lifelong disabilities – depending on the extent of brain trauma.

Maya’s story has captured national attention, with outlets from CTV News to the Vancouver Sun and Daily Mail covering the updates. Her mother’s raw, heartfelt videos have gone viral on social media, amplifying calls for continued prayers and support. One family member described the progress as “truly incredible,” emphasizing the medical team’s role and the power of community love.

As Maya remains in intensive care, fighting daily battles, her family asks for privacy amid the emotional rollercoaster. They continue posting measured updates to keep supporters informed without overwhelming the process. The latest signs – an open eye, responses, and movement – represent a shift from despair to cautious optimism.

For the people of Tumbler Ridge and beyond, Maya’s resilience has become a symbol of hope in the aftermath of unimaginable loss. While the full road to recovery – if achievable – will be arduous, these incremental wins remind observers that even in the darkest moments, small miracles can emerge.

The family has reiterated thanks to first responders, medical staff, and the global network of well-wishers. As one relative put it: “She’s fighting back.” In a case that began with horror, these developments offer a glimmer that healing, however partial, may be possible.

Authorities urge anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the RCMP tip line. For now, the focus remains on Maya’s bedside, where every twitch, breath, and open eye is celebrated as progress in a battle far from over.