Girl, 7, survives being shot in the face in Oregon elementary school attack as community rallies around her

A 7-year-old girl is recovering from surgery after being shot in the face during Thursday’s deadly shooting at an elementary school in Oregon, which left three children and a teacher dead.Little Saylor Graham, who uses a wheelchair for a disability, survived the shooting and underwent surgical treatment following the attack at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend on October 15, according to a family friend who spoke to NBC News. She was stabilized in serious condition.The youngest known survivor of the rampage, Saylor — who is well known in the community through a local youth program — has drawn an outpouring of support as she faces a long recovery. A GoFundMe campaign has so far raised over $380,000 for the schoolgirl and her family as they travel to Portland for her ongoing medical care. In addition to the injuries sustained in the shooting, she has further medical needs due to living with a rare genetic condition called CASK. The fundraiser, launched by a family friend, described Saylor as a “feisty, loving child” with a “fierce determination to thrive.” Saylor Graham, 7, is recovering from surgery after being shot in the face during Thursday’s deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, which left three other children and a teacher dead (GoFundMe)“On October 15, 2026, Saylor survived a tragedy no child should ever have to endure,” the page reads. “This unimaginable trauma has brought medical expenses and uncertainty to her family during an already difficult time.” The campaign noted that both of Saylor’s parents are self-employed and currently unable to work while staying at her bedside.“This fundraiser is to help ease the family’s urgent financial burdens, including time away from work, hospital bills, lodging, and transportation,” the page states. Saylor is known in the local community through her involvement with Bend High School as a designated “Sparrow.” Under the Sparrow Clubs program, local schools adopt children with medical needs to inspire student fundraising and community service.Matt Sampson, the executive director of Sparrow Clubs, told Central Oregon Daily News that Saylor was adopted into the Bend High Lava Bear Sparrow program in 2025.“Saylor is the definition of light and joy,” Sampson told the outlet. “And one of those kids that, you know, when she’s in the room. You can't think of anything else other than what Saylor’s doing, ‘I need to get to know her.’ “She's just very inspirational, very joyful, very courageous, and inspirational.” Four people were killed and several others injured when a gunman opened fire inside a specialized classroom at Silver Rail Elementary School — the attack ended when an uninjured teacher tackled the shooter before an armed bystander intervened (AFP/Getty)Sampson added that her presence left a lasting impression on the student body.“Saylor was the Sparrow catalyst for Bend High School when she was a Sparrow, and the little girl was used to teach kids things that many of us probably couldn’t have taught them without her,” Sampson said. “She opened their eyes to new perspectives, and she really just unified that school.”High school seniors who participated in her fundraising campaign reflected on the experience in written statements. One student wrote that helping Saylor “made me feel empowered to create positive change in the community. It was wonderful to be part of something larger than myself, and I am so proud to have contributed.” Another student added: “Helping Saylor made me feel that there is still hope and humanity in this world. It taught me how much I love to help people in need as it makes me feel like I'm worth more.”As Saylor continues her medical treatment, community leaders expressed confidence in her recovery. “She's a fighter, and we’re praying that she fights through this and her family,” Sampson said. “I want to express to her family how much we love them and how valuable they are to us. We’re here for them in whatever way we can be.”