VANCOUVER – The mother of Maya Gebala, a shooting victim from Tumbler Ridge, has expressed that her family is currently "overwhelmed" by the volume of letters and packages they have received from well-wishers. Cia Edmonds made this appeal through a social media post, stating that her gravely ill 12-year-old daughter is “deteriorating mentally and physically,” and the influx of mail is becoming overwhelming for the family.
Since making the address public on social media, the Edmonds family has received over 1,500 pieces of mail. While they are “extremely grateful” for the support, Edmonds has asked that supporters “kindly hold off” on sending any more correspondence. The situation follows the tragic mass shooting that occurred on February 10, 2026, in which Maya was shot three times and sustained severe brain injuries. The incident claimed the lives of eight victims in the small, remote community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
In her social media post, Edmonds indicated that the family is “desperately trying to transfer out” of the hospital in Vancouver where Maya is currently receiving care. With the constant arrival of mail, the family may need to seek out a storage unit to accommodate the overwhelming amount of correspondence they have received. Initially, Cia Edmonds sought letters of support to harness the strength of “collective love and positivity,” but has reported that they are now receiving daily batches of approximately 50 pieces of mail.
Edmonds shared images showcasing stacks of boxes, including an array of Amazon packages, alongside bundles of other mail items. “We aren’t able to get through it fast enough. It is literally everywhere,” she remarked, highlighting the challenging situation her family is currently facing.
This heartfelt appeal sheds light on the emotional and logistical complexities faced by families in the wake of tragic events. The outpouring of support from the community is a testament to the compassion that exists; however, it also presents challenges that families, like the Edmonds, must navigate during such a difficult time.
