A 12-year-old girl is fighting for her life after being shot during the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on Feb. 10.
Maya was struck in the head and neck and was airlifted to Vancouver Children's Hospital, where she remains in critical care. Her mother, Cia Edmonds, shared a heartbreaking message on Facebook as she sits by her daughter's bedside.
"I'm sitting in Vancouver Children's Hospital while my daughter fights for her life," Edmonds wrote. "Today started as any other. Now my 12-year-old daughter is fighting for her life while they try to repair the damage from a gunshot wound to the head and one to the neck."
She continued with a plea that has resonated across social media: "This doesn't even feel real... I never thought I would be asking for prayers... but please, please, pray for my baby."
The Feb. 10 attack left nine people dead, including the suspected shooter, and at least 25 others injured. Authorities have identified the suspect as 18-year-old Jesse van Rootselaar, who reportedly died from a self-inflicted injury at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing.
Related: Canada School Shooting Suspect Killed Mother and Stepbrother Before Deadly Attack at Tumbler Ridge School
A GoFundMe campaign organized by a family member has been launched to help cover medical and living expenses as Maya begins what is expected to be a long recovery. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than $50,000 had been raised toward the family's goal.
As the community grieves and investigations continue, many across Canada and beyond are uniting in prayer for Maya's healing and for comfort for every family affected by this tragedy.
Related: Canada School Shooting Victims: What We Know About Them
