Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old victim of a recent school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is receiving significant support from UFC CEO Dana White. Maya was one of 27 individuals injured when a lone shooter opened fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on February 10th, an incident that tragically claimed six lives.
Currently in critical care at Vancouver Children’s Hospital, Maya has undergone multiple surgeries and faced various complications due to her injuries. Her family recently disclosed that Dana White, upon learning of Maya’s plight, committed to covering all her medical expenses. This includes the substantial cost of transporting Maya to a top-tier hospital in Los Angeles once her condition stabilizes enough for travel, as well as providing accommodation for her family during her recovery.
Maya’s mother, Cia Edmonds, shared an update on social media, expressing profound relief and gratitude. She noted positive developments in Maya’s condition, including a reduction in the size of an abscess, signaling potential improvement. Edmonds also shared the exciting news that discussions had begun about moving Maya out of the ICU, a significant milestone after a period of intense medical challenges.
“After a week in the ICU, we were contacted by Dana White, who offered Maya full paid medical care at one of the world’s most advanced hospitals in LA, California,” Cia Edmonds wrote. She added that White had also offered to cover accommodation. Edmonds highlighted the incredible generosity and the hope it brings for Maya’s future, emphasizing her daughter’s remarkable resilience. The mother also mentioned that Maya’s name was acknowledged in the UFC ring, a gesture of support.
While Vancouver Children’s Hospital offers extensive brain trauma resources, Maya’s instability had previously prevented her transfer. However, with her condition tentatively improving, the family is now looking forward to the possibility of moving to Los Angeles as early as Monday, pending no further complications. This move is anticipated to provide Maya with access to specialized care, including assessments for wheelchairs and other necessary recovery aids, offering a brighter outlook for her long-term stability and recuperation. Cia Edmonds concluded, expressing pride in her daughter’s fighting spirit: “My fighter… I always said her stubborn hard head will work well for her some day.”