The family of Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old survivor of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting in British Columbia, has revealed they are facing severe financial difficulties and are unable to secure stable housing.
Struggling to Find a Home
In a May 29 update on Maya’s GoFundMe page, her mother Cia Edmonds stated that finding accommodation has been impossible, knowing Maya will likely require a wheelchair. Edmonds and Maya’s sister Dahlia have been moving between Airbnbs while waiting for a permanent home, under the impression that victim services would cover their expenses as outlined on the government website.
However, Edmonds explained that the family does not qualify for the benefits typically offered to traumatized families. “We don’t qualify,” she wrote. “The list of potential benefits covered for traumatized families searching for a new normal in an unthinkable situation. We aren’t covered. Turns out, legislation is written in such a way, we don’t qualify. So all and any expenses are left to be fulfilled by any organizations holding donations, that has literally saved us so far.”
Living in a Car and on a Couch
As of June 1, Maya’s GoFundMe campaign has raised over $500,000, but the funds are being used for her ongoing medical expenses, family travel, and daily needs. Edmonds said the family has been forced to adapt. “So, with that, accommodations have become too much, and we live between the back of my car and a couch in the hospital,” she wrote. “Hoping we find a place that fits all our requirements sometime soon.”
Maya’s Recovery Journey
Maya Gebala has been at B.C. Children’s Hospital since February after surviving a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge that left nine people dead, including the shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Maya was shot in the head and neck, resulting in brain damage. She has undergone multiple surgeries, including a recent cranioplasty where doctors successfully attached an implant to her skull.
Her father David Gebala shared on X: “Right after surgery, we were amazed to see Maya open her eye and lift her head to look around showing incredible strength so soon after such a major procedure. Throughout the day, she continued to regain her pre-surgery spark moving her hand and leg, squeezing our fingers, and looking around with curiosity.”
Worldwide Support
The family has received global support, including an offer from UFC president Dana White to cover Maya’s treatment and accommodation in Los Angeles. Although the family initially accepted, they later decided Maya was too fragile to travel and the logistics were too complex. Edmonds wrote: “We are now, however, researching neurospecific hospitals worldwide for advanced treatment, if we find one she may qualify for, we would rather go broke taking any potential avenues available, than walk the arduous path of ‘wait and see’.”
Moving Forward Together
Despite the hardships, the family remains resilient. Edmonds described their situation: “If okay was the mid line on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being dead. 10 being thriving. We are the epitome of Okay.” David Gebala addressed Maya directly in a June 1 post: “We’ve been enjoying walks outside, taking in the fresh air and watching the animals scurrying around. In therapy, you’ve been working hard! standing with support, engaging your core more, holding your head up a little longer, and even sitting on the edge of the bed with minimal help. You’ve also started showing signs of swallowing liquids again (orange Gatorade is still your favorite, of course). Your hockey tournament drink of choice! We’re seeing more engagement when we ask you to do things too. It’s a long road ahead, but we’re ready for the journey however long it takes. I love you so much, my Maya Bear. Daddy’s right here with you.”
