UFC President Dana White Funds Life-Saving Treatment for Shooting Victim Maya Gebala

The 12-year-old girl will receive specialized care at a leading brain trauma clinic in Los Angeles.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:29am

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A minimalist, glowing neon outline of a young person's head and shoulders, with a pulsing, electric energy radiating from the form, conceptually representing the resilience and hope of a young shooting victim's journey to life-saving treatment.A neon-bright illustration captures the resilience and hope of a young shooting victim's journey to life-saving treatment.Los Angeles Today

In a heartwarming development, UFC president Dana White has stepped forward to cover the costs of specialized treatment for 12-year-old Maya Gebala, a young girl caught in the crossfire of a mass shooting, at a renowned hospital in Los Angeles. This generous gesture provides a glimmer of hope for Maya's family as they navigate the complexities of accessing critical healthcare across borders.

Why it matters

Maya's story highlights the disparities in healthcare access and the potential for innovative solutions when the public and private sectors collaborate. While we celebrate White's compassion, it also raises important questions about the role of private funding in healthcare and the need for systemic changes to ensure equal access to quality care for all.

The details

After enduring the unimaginable, Maya's family now faces the daunting task of coordinating logistics and ensuring her stability for travel to Los Angeles. This transition period is filled with uncertainty and a range of emotions as they prepare for Maya's treatment at a leading brain trauma clinic.

  • Maya Gebala was caught in the crossfire of a mass shooting in April 2026.
  • Dana White's offer to cover Maya's treatment and family accommodations was made in April 2026.

The players

Maya Gebala

A 12-year-old girl who was caught in the crossfire of a mass shooting and is now receiving life-saving treatment in Los Angeles.

Dana White

The president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), who has generously offered to cover the costs of Maya's specialized treatment and family accommodations.

Cia Edmonds

Maya's mother, who expressed her emotions and gratitude in a heartfelt Facebook post.

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What they’re saying

“We are so nervous and excited for this opportunity. It's been a long and difficult journey, but this gives us hope.”

— Cia Edmonds, Maya's mother

What’s next

As Maya's family prepares for the journey to Los Angeles, they will need to coordinate logistics and ensure her stability for travel. The family will also need to navigate the complexities of accessing specialized healthcare across borders.

The takeaway

Maya's story serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support. It also highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare that addresses the physical, emotional, and financial aspects of recovery, as well as the potential for collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure equal access to quality care.