Family Grapples with ICU Battle After School Shooting in Minneapolis
When gunfire erupted at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, the Forchas family could not have imagined how profoundly their lives would be affected. Although neither of their children were among the fatalities, 12-year-old Sophia was critically injured during the attack, leaving her parents and younger brother in a state of shock and constant worry.
Sophia, a seventh grader described as “bright, kind, and full of life,” is now in the pediatric ICU, recovering from emergency surgery. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family, noting that her “road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult — but she is strong, and she is not alone.”
Adding to the emotional turmoil, Sophia’s mother, a pediatric ICU nurse, had been at work responding to the emergency, unaware that her daughter was among the victims. Upon arriving at the hospital, she learned the unthinkable: her child had been critically wounded, and she would now become both a mother and a medical advocate in a deeply personal and terrifying situation.
Sophia’s younger brother, though unharmed physically, is facing the emotional consequences of witnessing such a traumatic event. The GoFundMe page highlights the ongoing psychological impact on him, noting that “the trauma of witnessing such a terrifying event — and knowing his sister was critically injured — is something no child should ever experience.”
The family now faces a long and uncertain journey. In addition to ICU care and multiple surgeries, they must navigate trauma counseling, lost income, travel expenses, and countless other challenges. The fundraiser has set a goal of $620,000 to help cover these mounting costs.
Rev. Timothy Sas of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, the Forchas family’s parish, shared a statement expressing solidarity. “Sophia was born and raised in our St. Mary’s parish, immersed in the life of the Church alongside her extended family. We are deeply grateful for the immediate outpouring of prayers and support from people around the world,” he said.
As Sophia fights to recover, her family remains by her side, leaning on community support, faith, and the love of those around them. Their story is a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy and the power of collective care in moments of crisis.