An incident that almost ended in tragedy has turned into a miracle that one gun violence victim and his mother want to share with the world.  

In 2016, Luis Mendez was shot in the back of the head and left for dead. He was able to survive after weeks in a coma and is a recent graduate of Bronx Community College.  

The college hosted an event Thursday night to celebrate his story and showcase a new book written by Mendez’s mother about how her son overcame seemingly impossible odds.  

“Whatever society said that he was not going to do… totally changed,” said Jeanette Davila, Mendez’s mother. “I’m a very proud mommy, and that’s what I wrote in my book. The testimony of the mighty things and the power that God has and what God does to people.” 

Mendez attained his associate degree and is now enrolled at Lehman College to earn his bachelor’s degree.