Nurse Who Treated Daughter After School Shooting Shares Update: ‘Sophia Is Coming Home!’

An ICU nurse at a Minneapolis hospital experienced what many healthcare professionals consider their worst nightmare: providing critical care in the same unit where her own child arrived as a trauma patient.

Twelve-year-old Sophia Forchas was among the 18 people injured when a gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church School in South Minneapolis on August 27, 2025. According to information from a GoFundMe campaign and parish officials, Sophia's mother was working her shift in the hospital's intensive care unit when her critically wounded daughter arrived for emergency treatment following the shooting.

A Remarkable Update: “Sophia Is Coming Home”

Weeks after the tragic event, the Forchas family shared a moving update filled with hope and gratitude.

“Today marks one of the most extraordinary days of our lives! Our beloved daughter, Sophia, is coming home!!”

In a heartfelt message, Tom and Amy Forchas expressed deep appreciation for the extraordinary medical professionals whose skill and compassion made Sophia’s recovery possible.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the remarkable medical professionals whose skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication brought us to this moment. To Dr. Galicich and his phenomenal team of neurosurgeons; to Dr. Bjorklund and the pediatric intensivist team at HCMC; to Dr. Gormley and the team of rehabilitation therapists at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul; and to every individual who played a role in Sophia’s healing and recovery: 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’s journey continues with outpatient therapy, and while the road to full recovery remains long, her progress has been nothing short of inspiring. Her speech is improving daily, her personality is shining through once again, and she is now able to walk, swim, and even dribble a basketball.

The family attributes her remarkable healing to both modern medicine and the power of faith and community.

“Each step she takes is a living testament to the boundless grace of God and the miraculous power of prayer. Those prayers came from family, friends, and countless souls around the world—many of whom have never met Sophia, yet lifted her spirit with unconditional love. We are certain that God heard every single one.”

Even amid their joy, the Forchas family continues to hold in prayer those who were lost or injured in the tragedy.

“Our hearts remain tender. We continue to pray for those whose lives were tragically lost on that heartbreaking day. May their memory be eternal. We also hold close those who were injured and bear lasting scars, and the families and loved ones forever changed. May God grant healing, consolation, and His peace to all who grieve.”

The statement concluded, “In Christ’s love, Tom and Amy Forchas.”

About the Attack

The attack, carried out by 23-year-old Robin Westman, claimed the lives of two children—ages 8 and 10—and left 14 other children between the ages of 6 and 15 injured, along with several adult parishioners. Seven victims were initially reported in critical condition, though medical teams now expect all survivors to recover.

The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential hate crime. The shooter, who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, had legally purchased multiple firearms, including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol used in the attack.

As Minneapolis continues to mourn the victims of this senseless act of violence, Sophia’s recovery stands as a profound testament to resilience, faith, and the compassion of the healthcare community, a reminder of the strength nurses bring both inside and beyond hospital walls.

🤔 Nurses, tell us your thoughts in the discussion forum below.

 

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