The University at Buffalo’s Center for the Arts will host the first screening of the documentary “Recovery,” and the release of the book “Most Likely to Survive,” from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23. Both the movie and the book detail the story of West Seneca resident Matthew Faulkner’s remarkable recovery from a traumatic brain injury suffered during an automobile accident on March 2, 2009.
At the time of the accident, Faulkner was a senior at West Seneca West Senior High School. The accident left him in a deep coma for almost two months at Erie County Medical Center, with very little hope for survival. Against all odd, he would walk out of ECMC 103 days later and across the stage at high school graduation just two weeks after that.
“Recovery” was produced and directed by West Seneca native Ryan Monolopolus, a University at Buffalo media studies major and a high school classmate of Faulkner.
“More than anything, the film follows the path of Matt’s physical recovery with detailed analysis of physical therapy, occupational therapy, religion, family, first-encounter reports and reenactment,” said Monolopolus, owner of Monolopolus Productions. “It comes together to answer how people of different spheres of life come together — or maybe how they come apart — in answering tough questions about tragedy, recovery and how we all move on.”
“Most Likely to Survive” is the second book from West Seneca resident Joe Kirchmyer, owner of Kirchmyer Media, a communications company that caters to small businesses and nonprofit organizations. “The book follows Matt’s journey through hospitalization and recovery, recording both the milestones and the setbacks along the way. Medical miracle, religious miracle or a combination of both? That’s left for the reader to decide,” said the author. The book was published by No Frills Buffalo, a Buffalo-based publishing company.
The story of Faulkner’s amazing recovery will inspire anyone dealing with a serious injury or circumstances beyond their control. Today, he is finishing his final semester at Canisius College where he will earn a degree in economics with a concentration in finance. He also works as a business writer for the local energy consulting firm BidURenergy, Inc.
Doors for the March 23 event at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts will open at approximately 6:30 p.m., with the viewing of “Recovery” slated for 7 p.m. in the Screening Room. Faulkner, Monolopolus and Kirchmyer will be available at the conclusion of the movie to sign copies of the book and the documentary, which will be available for purchase at the event. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Mercy Flight Western New York. Light refreshments will be served, and a $5 goodwill donation per person is requested.
For more information, please follow “Matt Faulkner’s ‘Recovery’ documentary and ‘Most Likely to Survive’ book” page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MattFaulkner2013.
