Oregon School Shooting Survivor, 7, Moved Out of ICU Amidst Public Support
Saylor Graham-Poarch, critically injured in the Silver Rail Elementary attack, shows signs of recovery as donations exceed $1 million.
A 7-year-old girl critically injured during a shooting at an Oregon elementary school has been moved out of the intensive care unit. Saylor Graham-Poarch, who is disabled, is now in stable condition, according to local news reports. The attack on Oct. 15 at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend resulted in the deaths of three students and one teacher.
Graham-Poarch's family expressed gratitude for her progress while also mourning the loss of other victims. "Even as we’re grateful for Saylor’s progress, our hearts are broken for the families of the three children and the teacher who were killed," the family said in a statement. "We are holding them close, and we grieve with them."
Two separate fundraisers established to support Graham-Poarch's family with medical expenses and other financial burdens have raised nearly $1.1 million. The community has rallied around the young girl, who was known for her positive spirit. She had been affiliated with Sparrow Clubs USA, a nonprofit organization where teenagers help raise funds for children's medical expenses.
"Saylor is the definition of light and joy. And one of those kids that, you know, when she’s in the room. You can’t think of anything else other than what Saylor’s doing; ‘I need to get to know her,’" said Matt Sampson, Sparrow Clubs USA executive director, previously told Central Oregon Daily. "She’s just very inspirational, very joyful, very courageous, and inspirational."
Graham-Poarch, who was nonverbal, battles CASK, a gene mutation that affects her physical and cognitive development, and dysphagia, a disorder that makes swallowing difficult. Although she often used a wheelchair, she was able to walk independently.
The shooter, 16-year-old Griffin J. John II, used his mother's shotgun to enter the school and target a special education classroom. The victims included 5-year-old Rhoam Summer, two other unidentified students aged 8 and 11, and teacher Megan Lambert, 25. Another teacher, Becky Drury, was also hospitalized with severe injuries.
Kaylub Giamanco, a father of two students at the school, intervened and fatally shot the assailant, ending the rampage. Silver Rail Elementary School remains closed indefinitely following the incident.