Family of victim set on fire in her high school have 'high hopes for recovery'
CBC
The recovery process has begun for a 15-year-old girl who was lit on fire in her high school.
The victim of the attack was taken to hospital with serious burn injuries and has since been relocated to Edmonton for further treatment.
"[She's] doing better than when she was first admitted," a relative of the victim told CBC in a written statement. CBC has agreed not to name the relative to protect the family's privacy.
"She is still pretty sedated and still intubated, the swelling has gone down and it is still the early days but she is young and strong. We have high hopes for her recovery."
Her body is fine from the legs down, explained the relative, saying the girl can wiggle a leg to respond to questions in moments she is conscious.
Students at Evan Hardy Collegiate are being asked to return to school Tuesday and are being asked to wear purple, the victim's favourite colour, to show their support for her and her family.
"Purple was just a colour that stood out for her," the victim's grandmother told the Canadian Press.
The relative that communicated with CBC said the recovery process will be a long one.
"Her life is completely derailed and she has to work hard to find a new path forward," her relative said. "It will be a long road ahead but I believe the support she has will help her get there."
Support has come through in the form of donations to a GoFundMe page set up by a relative.
The GoFundMe page set up on Friday surpassed its donation goal in less than four hours.
The fundraising page has currently passed $60,000 worth of donations, far surpassing its original goal of $25,000.
