Tumbler Ridge shooting survivor Maya Gebala turns 13 as her recovery continues

Maya Gebala smiles for the camera in an image shared by her mother on the girl's 13th birthday. Photo by Cialater /Facebook

Article content

Maya Gebala, the Tumbler Ridge shooting victim who was so critically injured it was thought she might never see another birthday, has just turned 13 years old.

Article content

In her latest post to Facebook, Maya’s mom, Cia Edmonds, included numerous photos of Maya celebrating the big day.

Article content

Article content

They include the little girl bowling, playing air hockey and blowing out candles on her birthday cake (with a little help from mom).

Article content

In other pictures she is smiling at the camera and making rock-and-roll hand signs with her mom.

Article content

“Happy Birthday, my biggest baby girl,” Edmonds wrote in the post. “13 looks different, but you wear it well.”

Article content

She continued: “I am forever grateful for the time we get to share. I am constantly proud at all the new things you are learning to do. I am watching you become someone new, again and again. Thank you baby. Thank you for staying with us. Thank you for your strength, your courage, and your determination.”

Article content

Article content

Article content

Edmonds said that a year ago, Maya’s big birthday wish was to go with her best friend to visit “galaxy land,” an apparent reference to the theme park in West Edmonton Mall.

Article content

Article content

“This year is different, but we make it worth it,” Edmonds wrote, adding: “Many more to come my Maya Moon. All the stars in the sky, forever and always.”

Article content

The Tumbler Ridge shooting took place on Feb. 10, when 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar went on a murderous rampage that left eight other people dead, most of them at the secondary school in the small British Columbia town. Maya was shot three times in the head, cheek and neck.

Article content

Maya, who was just 12 years old when the shooting occurred, was taken to B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

Article content

She has undergone at least five complex surgeries but has made remarkable progress since the shooting, which left her with severe brain damage.

Article content

Her mother, who posts on social media under the name “Cia Later,” and her father, David Gebala, have released regular updates over the months with news of her continued recovery.

Article content

Earlier this month Edmonds posted a brief video clip of Maya saying “mom” to her.

Article content

Article content

“Setbacks and victories,” she wrote in the post. “Her level of awareness is incredible and devastating at the same time. She still lives in a hospital, she cries because she wants to go home. Soon baby, soon.”

Article content

Article content

In July, Edmonds changed her Facebook cover photo and profile picture to include images of a small French bulldog, along with the sad news that their dog had died after being hit by a car.

Article content

Article content