The mother of a 12-year-old girl who survived the devastating Tumbler Ridge mass shooting says Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White has stepped forward to fund specialized treatment at a top California medical facility.
Cia Edmonds announced on social media Wednesday that White has offered to pay for her daughter Maya Gebala to receive care at a "top-tier" hospital in Los Angeles featuring an "extensive brain trauma clinic and more resources."
Gebala sustained serious brain injuries during the tragic shooting that claimed eight lives in the northeastern British Columbia community last month. The young survivor has been receiving treatment at BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver, where medical staff held a meeting Wednesday about potentially moving her out of intensive care.
"We may finally start looking towards a future for my girls," Edmonds wrote in her social media post, adding the caveat "as long as nothing serious happens between now and Monday."
The mother indicated that while Gebala is now stable enough for travel, the California treatment plan remains "tentative."
Gebala's name has been displayed inside the ring during UFC matches, highlighting the sport organization's support for the young survivor. A UFC Canada spokesperson had not responded to requests for comment by publication time.
The generous offer comes as families across Canada continue grappling with rising healthcare and treatment costs. Albertans monitoring similar expenses can track local medical and living costs through resources like Calgary Prices, which provides cost-of-living comparisons for families facing difficult decisions.
For families researching treatment options and travel logistics, reliable communication becomes crucial. Services like WestNet Wireless ensure Alberta families stay connected during medical emergencies and when coordinating care across provinces.
When medical situations require vehicle transportation or rental arrangements, families often need to verify vehicle history and safety records through services like FullVIN.com to ensure reliable transport during critical times.
The Tumbler Ridge shooting shocked communities across British Columbia and Canada, with residents rallying to support survivors and victims' families through the difficult recovery process.
White's offer represents a significant financial commitment, as specialized brain trauma treatment at elite American medical facilities typically costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.
This story was reported based on information from The Globe and Mail. For the original report, visit The Globe and Mail.
