All it could have taken to lose Leila Bui was a simple movement.
But that was before the 11-year-old Saanich girl received surgery to stabilize her spine on Thursday, almost a month after she was struck by a car in the intersection of Torquay and Ash Road on Dec. 20, her mother, who declined to offer her name, told Global News.
Bui was rushed to hospital after the incident, which happened when Bui, a Grade 6 student, was walking to school.
READ MORE: Child rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by car in Saanich
Get daily National news
She was later taken to Vancouver so she could have surgery, as the incident left her in a fragile state — any slight movement, and Bui could have been lost, her mother said. Her spinal cord could have snapped.
Bui did “really well” during her surgery, and now that her body has been treated, the focus can be on her brain, her mom said.
Two GoFundMe pages have been set up to support Bui and her family as the 11-year-old undergoes treatment.
- Advocates warn Quebec deportations are separating families, urge federal intervention
- Murder trial begins for man accused in death of Lumby resident Tatjana Stefanski
- Quebec man not retiring after winning $12.5 million Lotto Max jackpot
- City of Vancouver unveils Human Rights Framework for FIFA World Cup
Community support
One of them had raised $17,446 toward a goal of $5,000 as of Friday, another had raised $13,848 toward a $5,000 target.
Bui’s mother said she has been “really overwhelmed” with the support her family has seen from the community.
She said she may have to leave her job as she takes care of her.
She also said that accidents have happened at the intersection where Bui was struck.
Now that Bui has undergone surgery, a mother is hoping that her girl will give some kind of a sign when she wakes up.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.