Tumbler Ridge shooting survivor Maya Gebala released from hospital: 'IT'S BEEN 262 DAYS'
· Toronto Sun
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Maya Gebala is going home.
The 13-year-old B.C. girl has been in hospital for nine months, after she was shot inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Feb. 10.
Maya’s father, David Gebala, shared a celebratory video on social media Thursday of his daughter’s excited reaction — fist pump and all — as he tells her she is leaving the hospital.
“It’s been 262 days since you were airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital. 262 days since we were told, ‘We did everything we could, but we don’t think she’s going to make it through the night,’” he wrote.
David went on to praise his daughter as he witnessed her “fight for every single one of those days.”
262 days.
— David Gebala (@DavidGebala) October 29, 2026
It’s been 262 days since you were airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital.
262 days since we were told, “We did everything we could, but we don’t think she’s going to make it through the night.”
Since then, I’ve watched you fight for every single one of those days.
251… pic.twitter.com/QYlclC9YNU
What Maya has endured in nine months
He went on to list some major milestones in her recovery process, including 251 days ago when Maya opened her eye, moved it and shifted her leg — only to be rushed back for emergency surgery that morning for hydrocephalus.
It was 238 days ago when she was able to breathe on her own for the first time, and 230 days when Maya was able to feel the sun on her face.
Chronicling her progress was something David has done since February, including the first time her “beautiful face” was completely cleared of tubes and tape, to her fifth surgery, getting a prosthetic skull placed.
My beautiful Maya bear, how I love that little smile of yours. #mayastrong pic.twitter.com/KifKVoKlhE
— David Gebala (@DavidGebala) July 25, 2026
The most recent breakthroughs included hearing her voice again 61 days ago and celebrating her birthday at the Foo Fighters concert at BC Place last month, 40 days ago, but it was Thursday that was the real cause to cheer.
“Today you’re being released,” he wrote.
Never give up
“There was never a day I stopped believing we would get here,” the proud dad continued.
“The road ahead is still long, but this is a milestone no one thought we would reach. Maya, you are the bravest person I know. You are an inspiration to so many people,” he wrote.
It warms my heart to watch these two interact whenever they see each other. ❤️ #mayastrong pic.twitter.com/1L35aEgv6h
— David Gebala (@DavidGebala) August 3, 2026
“Giving up was never an option for me, and it clearly never was for you either. You refused to accept the words we heard 262 days ago when you came out of the OR,” he added. “Look at you, my girl. You blew every expectation out of the water.”
He went on to thank the “incredible” nurses, doctors, and therapists who worked and treated Maya, as well as those who supported their family.
“Now it’s time to leave these hospital walls behind and keep moving forward, Maya Bear,” he concluded. “I love you forever and always.”