In April 2024, Kalisha Pettus survived a brutal and life-altering shooting. Since that tragic day, she has undergone 15 surgeries and lost her left leg, but her spirit remains unshaken. Kalisha is now using her experience not only to heal herself—but to uplift others who have faced unimaginable hardship.
Justice for Keisha Murray: A Life Taken, A Family Torn Apart
What Happened to Kalisha Pettus?
Kalisha was an innocent victim caught in a violent shooting incident in April 2024. The injuries she sustained were so severe that she required multiple surgeries, culminating in the amputation of her left leg. Her recovery journey has been marked by intense physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty.
Despite her innocence, Kalisha has struggled to obtain fair support as a victim. She applied for Social Security benefits and victim compensation, but was informed she did not meet current eligibility requirements. This has left her at risk of homelessness, with few resources to meet her basic needs.
Who Is Kalisha Pettus?
More than a survivor, Kalisha is a fighter, a leader, and a symbol of resilience. Her strength lies not only in her survival—but in her unwavering mission to help others. In the wake of her tragedy, she founded “Heal and Thrive Chicago,” an initiative dedicated to supporting trauma survivors, especially those with disabilities.
Kalisha believes her life was spared for a reason:
“God kept me alive for a reason, and I want to give hope to others.”
Her mission is simple but powerful—to turn pain into purpose, provide a voice to the unheard, and guide others through healing.
Community Response and Public Support
Kalisha’s journey has deeply moved her community. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers have rallied around her, inspired by her determination and courage.
Though she continues to face hardship, Kalisha’s ability to rise above and advocate for others stands as a powerful testament to human strength. Her story reminds us all that resilience isn’t just about survival—it’s about service, too.
Government Response and Social Support Challenges
Despite her efforts and clear need, Kalisha’s request for financial assistance and victim support has largely gone unmet. She continues to appeal for government aid, advocate for policy change, and highlight the gaps in systems meant to protect survivors.
Her voice is growing louder as she builds Heal and Thrive Chicago—not only to support others but to demand reform for better access to trauma care, housing, and financial resources.
Conclusion: From Tragedy to Transformation
Kalisha Pettus’s story is a beacon of hope, courage, and community. In the face of trauma and systemic failure, she is choosing to fight—not just for herself, but for countless others who feel voiceless and forgotten.
Her nonprofit, Heal and Thrive Chicago, is still growing. With public support, it can become a lifeline for trauma survivors across the city and beyond.
Kalisha is living proof that even in the darkest moments, hope survives, healing begins, and purpose rises.
How to Help
This story is developing. Stay tuned for updates on how you can:
- Support Heal and Thrive Chicago
- Share Kalisha’s mission
- Donate or advocate for policy changes supporting survivors