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Overcoming the Odds: People Need People
MONDAY, March 30, 2026 from 12 - 1 p.m.
Join us for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with the Watkins Alumni Family—Sarah and Matthew—as they share their raw, behind-the-scenes journey following Matthew's traumatic brain injury (TBI). This session offers invaluable lessons that will motivate and inspire others.
This is more than a story of survival; it’s a testament to the essential role of human connection in the face of life's greatest challenges.
This session offers invaluable lessons for:
• Medical and Rehabilitation Providers: Gain profound insight into the patient and healthcare experience, which can inform compassionate, comprehensive care
• Caregivers and Support Networks: Find solidarity, practical takeaways, and inspiration in navigating complex recovery journeys.
• Community-Minded People & "Cheerleaders": Learn how to show up effectively for those in your network who are facing life-altering events.
Discover the "Lessons Behind the Scenes"—the practical realities, the emotional truths, and the surprising strength found in community. Sarah and Matthew will candidly discuss the crucial systems and individuals who became their lifeline and how their experience redefined the meaning of "People Need People. This session offers invaluable lessons that will motivate and inspire others.
This is a reminder of the incredible power of compassion and resilience.
For more information and to Register
Posted 4/14/2026
Daytime Buffalo News 4 - Interview
A lot has happened since Matt came home from Sunnyview Rehab.
Eventually, I will write about all this in my book, but until then, let me briefly highlight his remarkable progress since 2018.
In July 2022, Matt was invited to "student teach" a computer engineering class at his alma mater, the University at Buffalo. It was a quick scramble to find an apartment, pack and ship belongings, learn public transportation and the campus shuttle system, locate the class building and room, and be ready to go in five weeks. I took the lead on most activities and ensured he was well-prepared. For me, the first time Matt took the city bus by himself was reminiscent of his first day of Kindergarten. This teaching opportunity lasted one academic year.
Matt has stayed in Buffalo, where he lives independently, managing most of his affairs with occasional feedback from his parents.
From September 2023 through Spring 2024, Matt applied to many colleges and participated in 15 first-round job interviews and two onsite full-day college interviews. He competed against 400-500 other applicants but did not land one of the coveted job positions.
A big unknown in Matt's life was whether he could ever drive again. He has lost a pie-shaped wedge of his right visual field secondary to his brain injury. Finally, the optician gave him medical clearance, and in October 2023, a driving assessment at Sunnyview Inpatient Hospital was approved. He had seven sessions there and practiced driving with me in Saratoga Springs for 6 weeks (which was sometimes scary) before returning to Buffalo. There, he took ~10 private lessons. Getting enough practice under his belt took a while because he lacked a car or a person to accompany him.
In September 2024, he passed his road test and bought a new Prius in October. Since then, he and I have taken a 1,100-mile road trip to Arlington, VA, and he has driven from Buffalo to home three times. And now, Matt is helping drive a young mother from his apartment complex and her 2- to 3-year-old son to childcare.
From September 2024 to the present, he has applied to 70+ job postings and has had 6-first round interviews and 2 final-stage interviews. As the Spring semester progresses, Matt anticipates having more interviews and, fingers crossed, getting a job this time. Matt came up empty-handed.
2025 Continued his job pursuit, without a job offer. He has already begun applying for the 2026-26 academic year.
Matt has accomplished so much and shows no signs of slowing down.
Hard work and perseverance pay off.
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