On a dark day in September 2009, a shot rang throughout the streets of Chicago that signaled the beginning of life anew for 14-year old Ondelee Perteet who was struck by a 45-caliber bullet that paralyzed him from neck down. Now, at 18 years old and despite such a traumatic incident to begin his life, Ondelee has managed to develop a new perspective and determination to guide his life.

Born on Chicago’s notorious Westside, Ondelee was the third of four children born to Deetreena Perteet. Without the guidance and support of a father, Ondelee envisioned himself as the man of house, being the only male among his all-female siblings. As such, he assumed a role as the family protector and provider.

While attempting to fulfill this role, Ondelee successfully completed his elementary education at Ryerson School and was preparing for his freshman year at Orr High School where he was to be a member of the school swim team when tragedy struck.

He was attending a party given by his older sister at her residence when, during the party, several people began arguing and throwing up gang signs. His sister then asked everyone to leave, so the partygoers decided to take their arguments outside. In an effort to quell the disturbance and move the crowd, Ondelee interceded and was shot for his peacemaking efforts.

Upon being transported to the hospital, the worst news possible became apparently true: he was paralyzed from neck down. Despite the horror of this devastating news, Ondelee somehow managed to avoid falling into a major depression so, following a brief period of acceptance, Ondelee gathered the courage, strength and determination to meet the challenge of physical therapy and recovery with a resolve to walk again.

Moving forward with the heart of a champion, Ondelee aggressively took on the physical therapy and, with the support of family and friends, resumed his education at Wendell Phillips High School. During his months and years of recovery, Ondelee took the time to focus on what he felt to be the reasons for his dilemma: gun violence.

As word of his misfortune spread through the media, interest was generated in his story and he began visiting public, parochial and private schools throughout the Chicago area, seeking to persuade his peers to pursue other forms of conflict resolution rather than through violence.

His appearances have drawn the attention and coverage of numerous media outlets such as Time, the Chicago Reporter, True Star, Voices and Sister 2 Sister magazines; WGCI-FM radio; and the Chicago affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC and WGN news. In particular, Paul Meinke of ABC-TV was the first journalist to cover his story and has followed him throughout his recovery.

Ondelee has also received numerous awards honoring his dedication and persistence to achieve excellence for himself, his peers and his community such as the New Life Knew Solutions Ambassador of Peace Award (2010); the Blue Heart Faith Community Award (2012) from St. Sabina Church; and the Army Strong Award (2012) from the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program.

In March 2013, Ondelee was honored by the internationally renowned Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, an Indian spiritual leader and humanitarian, during his NOVIO Nonviolence Event held at the Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. More than 2,000 people were in attendance when Shankar made the unprecedented gesture of presenting Ondelee with his personal shawl in recognition of their shared commitment to creating a world of peace and harmony.

Motivated further by these acknowledgements, Ondelee continued on his journey towards success by graduating from Phillips High School in June 2013 with plans to continue his education at Malcolm X Junior College on Chicago’s Westside.

With a focus on becoming a motivational speaker, Ondelee plans on taking numerous English, psychology and communication classes to enhance and strengthen his abilities to convey a persuasive message that will encourage his peers and others to embrace nonviolence as well as to develop new and innovative means to resolve conflicts amicably.

In addition to working on his mental growth, Ondelee has been making similar strides physically as he has surprisingly regained considerable movement of his hands and legs. What

had once been an inconceivable dream has become a reality as, most recently, Ondelee proudly drove himself to his prom.

So, despite such a dreary beginning, Ondelee’s story has unfolded with a great potential for a happy ending. Ondelee’s continued determination and positive attitude serve as a wonderful example to all as to how adversity can be challenged and defeated with hard work, perseverance and love.