Donations Top 1.4 Billion Won for 7-Year-Old Girl Injured in Oregon School Shooting

Shot in the Face and in Critical Condition
Rare Condition... Also Has Dysphagia, Making It Difficult to Swallow
Victim's Family: "Please Keep Saylor in Your Thoughts and Prayers"

A 7-year-old girl who suffered facial injuries in a shooting at an elementary school in Oregon, in the western United States, has fortunately been moved from the intensive care unit to a regular hospital room. Meanwhile, donations raised to help cover her medical expenses have surpassed $1.1 million (about 1.5 billion won).

Moved from ICU to regular room... Family says, "Thank you for your support"

Saylor Graham-Potche, 7, who was injured in a mass shooting in Oregon, U.S. (GoFundMe)

According to foreign media outlets, including the New York Post, on October 26, Saylor Graham-Potche, 7, was critically injured after being shot in the face in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15. Her condition later improved, and she was moved out of the intensive care unit, but she is expected to face a long recovery.

In a statement, Saylor's family expressed gratitude that her condition had improved and extended their condolences to the families of the three children and the teacher who lost their lives in the shooting.

The family said, "We are grateful to everyone who prayed for Saylor, sent messages, and showed our family so much love during our most difficult time. We can't reply to everyone individually, but words cannot express how much every kind word, prayer, and show of support means to us."

They added, "Please continue to keep Saylor in your thoughts and prayers as she recovers. We are simply grateful that Saylor is still with us."

Nearly $1.1 million in donations had been raised by the night of October 26 through two fundraising accounts set up to ease the family's financial burden, including Saylor's medical and lodging expenses.

"Saylor is a brave child who inspires those around her"

AFP Yonhap News

Saylor, who often wears pink glasses, is known as a cheerful and lively child who brings joy to those around her. However, she has a rare condition called CASK-related epileptic encephalopathy, which affects physical and cognitive development, and reportedly also has dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing food.

A representative of an organization that has supported Saylor described her to local media as "light and joy itself" and "a lively and brave child who inspires those around her."

Meanwhile, the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School claimed the lives of three students, ages 5, 8, and 11, and teacher Meghan Lambert. Authorities identified the shooter as Griffin J. John II, 16. Caleb Giamanco, a parent who had two daughters at the school at the time, reportedly entered the school building and fatally shot the gunman while he was struggling with a teacher.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.