MINNEAPOLIS — Healing often takes place in phases, and a girl injured in the Annunciation School mass shooting is moving forward by returning to school, joining friends and teachers just over a month after the significant event. 

According to an update on her GoFundMe page dated Sept. 30, Lydia Kaiser has resumed attending school, with her days now “filled with love and support.” The 12-year-old was injured while trying to shield a younger student, necessitating the surgical removal of a skull fragment to accommodate brain swelling. 

“She requires ongoing care, but remains a resilient fighter, growing stronger each day,” states the GoFundMe update. “Though she must pause her beloved sports, volleyball and basketball, which is challenging for her, she plans to support her teammates wholeheartedly.” 

The post recounted the Aug. 27 shooting’s physical and emotional toll but highlighted that Lydia, students, staff, and the entire Annunciation community are determined to remain resilient. 

“The darkest nights produce the brightest stars,” the post reads. “Go shine bright, Lydia!”

Lydia’s father, Harry, is Annunciation School’s gym teacher. After the incident, he and his wife, Leah, met Vice President JD Vance to advocate against increasing gun violence, urging the Trump administration to take action. 

“Can you promise to pursue, despite strong opposition, commonsense bipartisan legislation as a starting point to unite on shared values and make progress?” Harry asked, reading a letter he and Leah wrote to the Vice President. “Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough; many proposals have been dismissed without proper consideration. It’s complex. I don’t claim to have the answers, but we need to commit to exploring solutions.”

The Annunciation mass shooting killed two students and wounded more than 20 other people