Maya Gebala discharged from BC Children’s Hospital after eight months

Maya Gebala, who was critically injured in the Feb. 10 shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, has been released from BC Children’s Hospital after more than eight months of treatment. Her father, David Gebala, shared a video on social media showing the moment he told his daughter she could go home, to which Maya responded by punching the air.

"Maya, you are the bravest person I know. You are an inspiration to so many people," Gebala wrote in a Facebook post, adding that giving up was never an option for either of them.

Doctors had initially told the family that Maya might not survive the night following the attack, which left eight victims dead and was carried out by Jesse Van Rootselaar, who later died by suicide. Over the course of her hospitalization, Maya achieved several milestones, including opening her eyes after 251 days, having tubes removed after 191 days, smiling after 145 days and speaking after 61 days.

The family also noted that Maya was able to attend a Foo Fighters concert for her 13th birthday last month. Gebala thanked the medical staff and supporters, saying the recovery would not have been possible without their help.