MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A 12-year-old girl shot in the head during a deadly attack at a Catholic church in Minneapolis less than a month ago is making 'miraculous' progress, her family said in a statement.
Sophia Forchas, who was the most seriously wounded child among those who survived the shooting at the Church of the Annunciation, will move this week from acute care to an inpatient rehabilitation program, her family confirmed.
While her medical team remains cautiously optimistic, the family highlighted that Sophia shows signs of neurological recovery just weeks after doctors were uncertain about her survival.
'Sophia is strong, brave, and unwavering in her fight toward healing. We ask that you continue to pray for her as she walks this road to recovery. It is by God’s will that she has come this far,' her family stated in a message released Monday by Hennepin Healthcare, where she is receiving care.
Sophia and her classmates at Annunciation Catholic School were celebrating the first Mass of the new school year when a shooter opened fire through a window, resulting in two fatalities and injuries to 21 others. The shooter died by suicide, according to police reports.
In a tragic twist, Sophia’s mother, a nurse at Hennepin Healthcare, was unaware of her daughter’s injury until she arrived at work to assist with the treatment of victims.
Sophia underwent emergency surgery where a bullet was found lodged in her brain, causing extensive damage, including to a critical blood vessel. Surgeons removed half of her skull to alleviate pressure on her brain.
'Though she still has a long journey ahead filled with extensive therapy, her resilience continues to inspire hope at every step,' her family expressed.
Sophia Forchas, who was the most seriously wounded child among those who survived the shooting at the Church of the Annunciation, will move this week from acute care to an inpatient rehabilitation program, her family confirmed.
While her medical team remains cautiously optimistic, the family highlighted that Sophia shows signs of neurological recovery just weeks after doctors were uncertain about her survival.
'Sophia is strong, brave, and unwavering in her fight toward healing. We ask that you continue to pray for her as she walks this road to recovery. It is by God’s will that she has come this far,' her family stated in a message released Monday by Hennepin Healthcare, where she is receiving care.
Sophia and her classmates at Annunciation Catholic School were celebrating the first Mass of the new school year when a shooter opened fire through a window, resulting in two fatalities and injuries to 21 others. The shooter died by suicide, according to police reports.
In a tragic twist, Sophia’s mother, a nurse at Hennepin Healthcare, was unaware of her daughter’s injury until she arrived at work to assist with the treatment of victims.
Sophia underwent emergency surgery where a bullet was found lodged in her brain, causing extensive damage, including to a critical blood vessel. Surgeons removed half of her skull to alleviate pressure on her brain.
'Though she still has a long journey ahead filled with extensive therapy, her resilience continues to inspire hope at every step,' her family expressed.
