Maya Gebala, a survivor of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, is out of the intensive care unit.
Her father posted an update on Facebook on Tuesday saying that Monday was a big day for the family.
“We transitioned out of the ICU into a more recovery and rehab-focused unit, and it’s now been 26 hours since Maya’s EVD was removed for the second time,” David Gebala wrote.
An external ventricular drain (EVD) is a temporary neurosurgical catheter placed in the brain’s ventricles to drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood, reducing dangerous pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Gebala says that so far, everything is looking positive for Maya as she doesn’t seem to be in as much pain and they are starting to see more energy and colour come back in her complexion.
“She’s still not a fan of the boot for the pressure sore on her heel, doing her best to kick it off whenever she can, but her movements are becoming much more intentional,” Gebala said.
He said they are slowly making some progress, but the biggest moment came when the occupational therapist and physiotherapist came into Maya’s room on Tuesday and with their help, Maya was able to sit up on the edge of the bed.
Get weekly health news
“This was huge for two reasons,” Gebala wrote.
“First, she was using her own muscles to help support herself (with assistance), and second… I was finally able to wrap my arms around my daughter. Really wrap my arms around her and hold her tight.
“I can’t even begin to put into words what that hug felt like. All I wanted in that moment was to lift her up, hold her close, and never let go.”
Maya, 12, has been in the hospital since the Feb. 10 shooting in Tumbler Ridge in which eight people, including the shooter, died.
This update was such wonderful news about Maya’s continued recovery! I felt quite emotional and I and surely countless others share in the joy that Maya’s parents are surely feeling.
This news is so encouraging after such a trajic incident and the many lives lost.
Best wishes to Maya and her family!
This is great news and a huge answer to prayer! Yes, that hug, I can’t even imagine how absolutely wonderful that must have felt!! Keep on Maya!🌹🙏
This just made my whole day! I am so happy for you. I can just imagine as a parent what that hug must have felt like. I want to go and hug my children and hold them tight. Godspeed Maya!
It was a act of Terrorism. Not a mass shooting. Use correct pronunciation please global or get out of the news business.