Dana White, CEO of the UFC, is providing significant financial support to Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old girl who was among the 27 injured during a tragic school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on February 10th. The incident resulted in the deaths of six people.
Gebala is currently receiving critical care at Vancouver Children’s Hospital, where she has already undergone multiple complex surgeries and experienced complications due to her severe injuries.
Her family recently revealed that White, upon learning of Maya’s difficult situation, promptly offered to cover all associated medical costs. This generous offer also includes funding for her transportation to Los Angeles for further treatment at one of the world’s leading hospitals, once her condition stabilizes enough for travel.
Update from Maya’s Mother, Cia Edmonds
Maya’s mother, Cia Edmonds, shared a hopeful update on social media:
Oooooh wow. So. Today, I got some good news (finally) – the sample from her abscess has no cultures… still… but it ALSO hasn’t grown in size… That’s a good sign (not a promise) that it’s potentially dead and just needed to be removed… So… Today, we had a meeting about finally leaving ICU 😭. The first time anything has been said that ISN’T emotionally debilitating. I’m so incredibly proud of my baby girl. She is SUCH a fighter… SO MUCH that she was recognized as such, early on.
Some news we had waited to share (pending circumstances): After a week of being in the ICU, we were contacted by the president of the UFC, Dana White. He’d offered Maya full paid medical in one of the world’s most top-tier hospitals in LA, California. Edit: He has also offered to pay for a place to stay. It’s incredible, really. I would have never thought this is where this would go. I’m finally excited to see her become the best version of who she can be through all this.
For anyone who watches UFC, they put my babe’s name in the ring. Super cool. The Children’s Hospital has an extensive brain trauma clinic and more resources. However, Maya hadn’t been stable enough to travel. Until now. Still tentative!… Providing nothing serious happens between now and Monday, we may finally start looking towards a future for my girls… Stability and recovery. We can get a better look at what she may need in terms of care… wheelchairs, etc… It feels as though the air got lighter, and Maya has some light in her eyes… hope just got a little more brighter… My fighter… I always said her stubborn hard head will work well for her someday. My biggest baby girl. -Livin on a prayer.
