Twelve-year-old Maya Gebala continues to make gradual progress in her recovery, with her family sharing new milestones following a recent surgery. In updates posted this week, Maya’s parents said another procedure was successful and that a major step forward has been reached in her care. “Another successful surgery behind us, and the NG tube is officially out of the picture,” her father, David Gębala, wrote on Wednesday. Feeding tube removed, new progress Maya’s mother, Cia Edmonds, said the nasal feeding tube has now been removed, something she believes Maya is “grateful” for after previously trying to remove it herself. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/chv_ros_bb', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1616015438375-bbm1'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1616015438375]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'maya-gebala-shows-progress-after-surgery-feeding-tube-removed'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); “She gets her nasal cavity back,” Edmonds wrote. Maya now has a gastrostomy tube, or G-tube, which delivers nutrition directly to her stomach as she continues working toward regaining the ability to swallow. “She is showing strong signs that she will learn to swallow again,” Edmonds said. Related stories: Hope shines for Maya Gebala: UFC president offers life-saving care in California Maya Gebala shows another step in recovery, father says Maya Gebala breathing on her own as recovery continues Helping children process tragedy with faith and calm Continued recovery and challenges Maya remains unable to speak, but her mother says there are small but meaningful signs of progress. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/chv_ros_bb', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1616015438375-bbm2'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1616015438375]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'maya-gebala-shows-progress-after-surgery-feeding-tube-removed'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); “She’s made audible noises as she exhales… so that’s a start,” she wrote. Edmonds said Maya is also showing signs of improved awareness and focus, as well as gradual motor development, though significant challenges remain. Her right arm and leg are still not functioning, and she continues to experience pain on that side. However, she is able to squeeze a hand and move her toes when prompted. Maya is scheduled for another surgery on May 5 to place a prosthetic skull cap, a step her family hopes will help stabilize pressure and support further healing. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/chv_ros_bb', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1616015438375-bbm3'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1616015438375]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'maya-gebala-shows-progress-after-surgery-feeding-tube-removed'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); “We are hopeful that with that finally closed, it will help regulate her cerebral fluid… maybe we will get to see both her big blue eyes soon,” Edmonds wrote. Family urges caution about misinformation Edmonds also warned that false information about Maya’s condition has been circulating online, including posts from accounts impersonating the family. “You can’t trust what you are reading on other sites,” she wrote, asking people to report fake accounts. She added that any major updates, including a potential transfer for care, will come directly from the family. Maya has been recovering in hospital since the Tumbler Ridge tragedy in February and has undergone multiple surgeries and complications along the way. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/chv_ros_bb', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1616015438375-bbm4'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1616015438375]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'maya-gebala-shows-progress-after-surgery-feeding-tube-removed'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Her family says progress continues, one step at a time.
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