GoFundMe

A fundraiser for a young Tumbler Ridge shooting victim fighting for her life has seen overwhelming support in less than 24 hours.

Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, is alleged to be one of the victims wounded in the deadly school shooting, according to a GoFundMe campaign. A statement from the family says that Gebala made it through transport from Tumbler Ridge to B.C. Children’s Hospital, where she’s currently in critical care.

“I’m writing this post sitting in Vancouver Children’s Hospital while my daughter fights for her life,” reads a message from Gebala’s mom, Cia Edmonds.

“Today started as any other. Now, however, my 12-year-old daughter is fighting for her life while they try to repair the damage from a gunshot wound to the head. And one to the neck.”

GoFundMe

She added that her daughter “was a lucky one” and shared her condolences with other families affected by the tragedy.

“This doesn’t even feel real,” she shared. “I never thought I would be asking for prayers, but please, please, pray for my baby.”

Edmonds’ cousin, Krysta Hunt, set up the fundraiser, which has raised nearly $50,000 in less than 24 hours. According to Hunt, the money will go towards helping Maya in her recovery and allow Edmonds to stay by her daughter’s side without worrying about finances.

In an email to Daily Hive, Hunt shared an update on Gebala’s condition.

“She made it through the night and was able to undergo surgery to stop bleeding,” she stated. “She is still in a very risky state, and we are not sure of the prognosis at this point.”

In a message shared on GoFundMe, Hunt called Gebala “a fighter” and thanked donors for their generosity.

Google Maps

On Wednesday, the Tumbler Ridge Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) set up a GoFundMe campaign to “raise funds for the families who have been directly affected by this event.”

“The funds will be used to cover unexpected expenses, support daily needs, help with any ongoing recovery efforts, pay for funeral costs, pay for mental health supports and move,” reads the statement.

According to its website, Tumbler Ridge Secondary School is a grade seven to twelve school with 160 students.

In an email to Daily Hive, GoFundMe has confirmed that both fundraisers have been verified.

On Tuesday afternoon, police responded to reports of a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. B.C. RCMP said that the incident left 10 people dead and many others injured, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Leaders from around the globe took to social media to express their support and sympathy.