Family of B.C. shooting survivor living 'between a car and a couch'
· Toronto Sun
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The family of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., shooting survivor Maya Gebala says they are in a financial bind and are unable to access housing in Canada.
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In a May 29 post on Maya’s GoFundMe page, mother Cia Edmonds says it has been impossible to secure housing, knowing Maya will likely be in a wheelchair, adding that she and Maya’s sister Dahlia have been staying in a series of AirBnbs while awaiting a home, believing that “victim services would cover accommodations and expenses as they offer on the government website.”
But Edmonds said the family doesn’t qualify for the “list of potential benefits covered for traumatized families searching for a new normal in an unthinkable situation.”
Family doesn’t qualify
“We don’t qualify,” Edmonds 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.”
As of June 1, Maya’s GoFundMe page has raised more than $500,000, but that money has gone to Maya’s ongoing medical expenses, travel costs for the family and day-to-day expenses.
Now, Edmonds says the family has been forced to adjust.
“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.”
Tumbler Ridge shooting
Maya Gebala, 12, has been at B.C. Children’s Hospital since February recovering from a mass shooting that left nine people dead in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., including the shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Maya was shot in the head and neck and suffered brain damage as a result. She has had series of surgeries, including a cranioplasty last month when doctors successfully attached an implant to Maya’s skull.
“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,” wrote father David Gebala on X . “Throughout the day, she continued to regain her pre-surgery spark moving her hand and leg, squeezing our fingers, and looking around with curiosity.”
Maya and her family have gained worldwide support following the shooting, including an offer from UFC president Dana White to pay for Maya’s treatment and the family’s accommodation in Los Angeles. While the family initially accepted White’s offer, they said Maya was too fragile to travel and the logistics were too complicated.
“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’,” Edmonds wrote.
Family carries on
Edmonds added despite the hardships and the uncertainty, the family keeps moving forward. “ 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.”
“We’re making slow but steady progress. Some days are better than others, but we’re moving forward together,” David said in a June 1 post, directly addressing his daughter.
“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.”