BEND, Ore. – After a 23‑day hospital stay and four surgeries, Becky Drury, a teacher who survived the Silver Rail shooting, is finally home with her family. Her husband, Will Drury, shared the joyous update online, noting that nurses gathered to applaud her as she entered the elevator.
Becky’s return marks a hopeful milestone for the community that rallied around her during her recovery. The Silver Rail Children’s Fund, which has already served more than 550 survivors and family members through events like pumpkin‑patch visits, sensory‑art activities, therapy‑dog sessions, and child‑care support, is now turning its attention to the long‑term educational needs of young survivors.
Focus on Academic Recovery
“What’s next is academics. Our kids have missed nearly a month of school and trauma makes it hard to focus even once they are back,” the fund explained in a recent update. To address this, the organization is recruiting and paying licensed K‑5 tutors. The first family applications have already been submitted, and the fund is calling on the community to help finance tutoring hours, learning materials, and quiet spaces for study.
Local parents and volunteers have responded enthusiastically, offering classroom supplies and quiet rooms in churches and community centers. The fund’s director emphasized that consistent, one‑on‑one instruction can mitigate the academic setbacks caused by both the missed school days and the emotional toll of the shooting.
Community Support Continues
Since the tragedy, Bend residents have shown unwavering support for the victims and their families. Neighborhood groups have organized donation drives, and local businesses have contributed gift cards and meals for families navigating medical appointments and court proceedings.
“The outpouring of love has been a lifeline for us,” Will Drury wrote. “Seeing our community come together gives us strength as we move forward.”
The Silver Rail Children’s Fund plans to expand its tutoring program throughout the school year, aiming to reach every child affected by the incident. By partnering with the Bend School District, the fund hopes to integrate tutoring sessions into existing school schedules, ensuring that survivors receive the academic assistance they need without additional transportation burdens.
Looking Ahead
As Becky continues her recovery at home, her teachers and classmates are preparing a welcome‑back celebration at the school. The broader community remains committed to providing the resources necessary for healing—both emotional and educational.
For families interested in applying for tutoring services or contributing to the fund’s efforts, information is available on the Silver Rail Children’s Fund website and through their social‑media channels.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
