Authored by Joe Kirchmyer, Authored with Matthew Faulkner

 

5" x 8" (12.7 x 20.32 cm) 
Black & White on White paper
140 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0615759739 
ISBN-10: 0615759734 
BISAC: Biography & Autobiography / General

 

Most Likely to Survive is the real-life story of Matthew Faulkner, a smart and friendly young man who would see his well-planned life change dramatically in the blink of an eye. Voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by his classmates, a near-fatal car accident near the end of his senior year of high school would put Matt into the deepest depth of coma for six long weeks. His chance of survival was near zero, and if he did manage to somehow come out of the coma, he would likely end up requiring constant care in a skilled nursing facility. 

Through a series of miracles, Matt would walk out of the hospital and soon after, walk across the stage at his high school graduation to cheers and thunderous applause. Thanks to his rehab physician, a remarkable support system, dedicated therapists, grueling therapy sessions and incredible determination, he would fulfill his goal of not only going on to college, but doing exceptionally well academically. His recovery, which will be lifelong, continues to amaze his friends, family, the medical community and anyone who knows and understands the devastating impact of traumatic brain injury.

There is another side to this story — the religious angle. There are those who credit Matt’s amazing recovery to the work of the late Father Nelson Baker, the beloved priest from nearby Lackawanna, New York, who is in need of another miracle as he travels the long path to sainthood in the Catholic Church.

Most Likely to Survive 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.