
Fifty-seven days after being shot in the head by a trans-identifying shooter at a mass service at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, 12-year-old Sophia Forchas has finally returned home. Video footage of Forchas leaving the hospital showed her arriving in limo to dozens of cheering supporters outside Hennepin County Medical Center. Numerous supporters could be seen embracing Sophia, who appeared with a shaved head and blue hoodie.
Sophia was one of 18 people injured when a gunman fired shots into the church during ins-school mass on August 27th. Two children lost their lives. Sophia’s injuries were so severe that her neurosurgeon once cautioned that she might be the third fatality. Dr. Walt Galicich, Sophia’s doctor, remarked on Sophia’s progress to CBS News. “It’s only been two months or so since this terrible event. And to see her walking around wanting to go home and go back to school is pretty amazing,” he said. It’s being described as a miraculous recovery as Sophia is being described as nearly brain dead when she first came into the hospital. Sophia could be seen hugging Dr. Galicich outside HCMC.
To make the moment even sweeter, Sophia was being released just before her 13th birthday. Sophia’s parents shared the pivotal update on the GoFundMe page set up for Sophia’s care. “Our beloved daughter, Sophia, is coming home!! We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the remarkable medical professionals whose skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication brought us to this moment,” her parents, Tom and Amy Fochas announced. “We thank you from the depths of our hearts. We will never forget your World-class care that sustained her. Your commitment carried us through.”
Sophia still has a long recovery ahead of her as she will continue with outpatient therapy. She has been able to swim and even dribble a basketball some. The videos show her able to stand and walk without assistance. Her parents shared their hopes for their daughter’s future. “Sophia’s healing journey continues with outpatient therapy and the road to full recovery remains long. Yet, our hearts are filled with indescribable joy as we witness her speech improving daily, her personality shining through once more, and her ability to walk, swim, and even dribble a basketball. Each step she takes is a living testament to the boundless grace of God and the miraculous power of prayer.”