A community's 'fighter'
After a horrific school shooting on Thursday left a community in shock, all eyes and hearts are on 7-year-old Saylor Graham. Saylor, who is currently in serious but stable condition after being struck in the face, is being hailed as a 'fighter' by those who know her best.
Who is Saylor?
If you haven't heard her story, Saylor was a familiar face in the community, known for her bright pink glasses and infectious energy. She lives with a CASK gene mutation, which impacts her physical and cognitive development, and she also navigates dysphagia. She was famously adopted as a "Sparrow"—a program that connects students with children facing medical challenges—by Bend Senior High School during the 2024-25 school year. Matt Sampson, the executive director of Sparrow USA, described her as "the definition of light and joy."
The aftermath
The tragedy, which saw 17-year-old Griffin J. John II open fire in a special education classroom, claimed the lives of three students and a teacher. Along with teacher Becky Drury, Saylor is one of the only survivors of the attack. Police say John fired at least 15 shots before being tackled by a teacher and eventually killed by bystander Kaylub Giamanco.
It’s giving main character energy in the worst way, and the community is now stepping up. Local restaurant Portello Lounge is hosting a fundraiser this Sunday to help support Saylor’s family, and even Giamanco—the man who stopped the shooter—has publicly stated he wants to connect with the family.
Why it matters
Saylor’s survival has become a beacon of hope in an otherwise devastating situation. It’s a sobering reminder that senseless violence impacts real lives. For you, it means staying informed on how communities can support victims during these dark times, as local fundraisers and support networks are often the first line of help for families when the cameras leave.
