Seven days after the incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, Maya remains in a medically induced coma at BC Children’s Hospital. Her mother, Cia, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook — one filled with gratitude, exhaustion, and unwavering faith.
In an earlier post, Sia confessed she never imagined she would have to beg for prayers for her own child. No parent prepares for that kind of plea. Yet today, she continues to ask — and the world continues to respond.
She says the support has been extraordinary. Stories of strength, stories of struggle, words of love from strangers across the globe. She cannot keep up with replying to everyone. The first days were a whirlwind. Now there is a strange calm — not peace, but numbness.
Their family has faced additional hardship this week, including theft from their vehicle. It feels like too much at once. Still, she holds on to hope.
Maya has now been transferred to a recovery unit. To doctors, it is a medical step. To her mother, it is proof that her daughter is still fighting.
Physicians have warned that the damage affecting Maya’s right side mirrors the impact of a stroke and may be permanent. Those words are almost unbearable. A mother wants to challenge them. But for now, she sits beside her daughter and keeps believing.
Maya was in the library when it all began. Hearing the disturbance, she and a younger student attempted to lock a faulty door. The lock failed. The other child escaped to safety. Maya stayed a few seconds longer trying to secure it before running for cover. That delay cost her; she was shot in the cheek and ear as she moved away.
Her Facebook page reflects who she is beyond this tragedy — photos of animals she loves, outdoor adventures, friends, hockey memories. She played defense with pride for the local Raptors team. She is strong. Protective. Brave.
Cia Later has shared an address for those who wish to send encouragement:
Maya
Unit 304
827 W 16th St
North Vancouver, BC V7P 1R2
Canada
She promises that even if she cannot respond, every card will be read to her daughter.
The world stands behind Maya. And her mother has not stopped believing she will open her eyes again.
