UFC President Dana White is stepping into the spotlight with a heavy-hitting act of kindness, confirming that he is covering the medical costs for 12-year-old Maya Gebala to receive specialized treatment in the United States.

Maya was critically injured during a tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., in February 2026, suffering a gunshot wound to the head. After months of recovery at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, her family has accepted White’s offer to move her to a world-class facility in the U.S.—likely in Los Angeles, Houston, or Seattle—for aggressive brain trauma rehabilitation.

The Key Details of the Rescue Mission:

• The Best Chance: During a post-fight press conference in Winnipeg on April 18, White stated, “They wanted to give their daughter the best chance they could… there’s some great places in L.A., there’s a great place in Houston, there’s a great place in Seattle.”

  

• A Massive Commitment: Beyond just the medical bills, White is reportedly covering the family’s accommodations to ensure they can remain by Maya’s side during her “aggressive” rehabilitation.

   

• The Turning Point: Maya’s mother, Cia Edmonds, confirmed the family is “nervous but excited” for the move, noting that Maya is finally stable enough to leave the intensive care unit (ICU) and begin this new chapter of recovery.

   

• Why Dana White? The UFC boss reached out after seeing Maya’s story in the news. Interestingly, Maya’s name had previously been displayed inside the Octagon during a UFC event, signaling a deep connection between the fighting community and the young survivor.

  

   

As the moving parts of the transfer are finalized, the sports world and the town of Tumbler Ridge are rally behind “Hero Maya,” hoping this specialized U.S. care is the breakthrough she needs.