The father of Tumbler Ridge victim Maya Gebala shared encouraging news and a heartwarming story on social media Tuesday.
David Gebala says the 12-year-old is out of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and slowly making progress.
“Our time in the PICU has been a whirlwind, filled with both highs and lows for Maya, but slowly we’re making some more progress,” the father said.
Maya was shot in the head and neck during the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting on February 10.
The father says Maya does not appear to be in as much pain, adding she is showing more energy and colour.
On Tuesday, Maya was able to sit up on the edge of her bed with the help of health professionals.
David says this was a positive step forward, as Maya was using her own muscles, with assistance, to support herself.
The father adds the moment completely overwhelmed him because he was finally able to give his daughter a hug.
“I was finally able to wrap my arms around my daughter, really wrap my arms around her and hold her tight,“ he said. “All I wanted in that moment was to lift her up, hold her close, and never let go.”