Albert Ontiveros
“My injury doesn’t define me; my resilience does. The support from the Be Perfect Foundation has not only helped me in my recovery but has also reminded me that I am never alone on this journey.”
On December 11, 2021, Albert Ontiveros’ life was forever altered when a bullet struck the right side of his brain, causing a traumatic brain injury so severe that doctors placed him in a medically induced coma. His family faced the devastating decision of whether to keep him on life support, unsure of what his future might hold. With little certainty but deep faith, they chose to fight for his life. After undergoing a life-saving craniotomy, Albert’s chances of survival began to improve, and in what his parents call a true Christmas miracle, he woke up on Christmas Day. That moment marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey, one filled with uncertainty but also with an unwavering determination to prove the doctors wrong.
In the months that followed, Albert faced profound changes to his life. Beyond the loss of mobility, he adapted to living with seizures and the need for daily medication to manage them. He was forced to accept that many activities he once enjoyed were no longer possible. Yet, despite these obstacles, he refused to let his injury define him. Through intensive therapy, Albert began to make small but meaningful gains—first learning to navigate life in a wheelchair, then taking his first steps between parallel bars. Over time, he advanced to using a hemi-walker, then a quad cane, and eventually a HurryCane. Today, he can even walk short distances without a cane, with supervision to ensure safety. These achievements have been hard-earned milestones, each one a testament to his resilience and drive.
Albert’s commitment to recovery extends beyond his physical gains. He has returned to school and is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, proving that his goals reach far beyond rehabilitation. His therapy at The Perfect Step has become a cornerstone of his progress—not just physically, but mentally. It has provided a structured way to push himself, reminiscent of his pre-injury gym routines, and has connected him with a community of determined, like-minded individuals who inspire and motivate him every day.
The support from the Be Perfect Foundation has been instrumental in making this possible. At a time when financial resources were limited, the foundation stepped in to cover the cost of therapy sessions, removing a tremendous burden and allowing Albert to focus on his recovery without the constant stress of how to pay for it. With this support, he is working toward his next major goals: walking independently without a cane, regaining full mobility in his left arm, and continuing to build his academic and social life. As Albert puts it, “My injury doesn’t define me; my resilience does. The support from the Be Perfect Foundation has not only helped me in my recovery but has also reminded me that I am never alone on this journey.”
With every step forward, Albert is not only reclaiming his independence but also proving that hope, determination, and community can change the trajectory of a life once thought limited. The Be Perfect Foundation’s generosity has given him the opportunity to create a future filled with purpose, connection, and the confidence to keep pushing toward his dreams.