Matthew Bocchi’s father was one of the many who lost their lives on September 11th. The news came in a highly censored manner. His mom and uncle told him what they thought was best for his young mind, but it wasn’t enough for him. He wanted to understand all of the story.

He became obsessed with the images of people jumping from the building and wondered daily if his father had been one of them. He badgered everyone around him, hoping one of them could tell him the truth. 

Eventually one person did talk to him, his uncle by marriage, but used it as a means to sexually assault Matthew. And thus began a life of using drugs to cope with devastating loss and psychological trauma. 

Matthew eventually chose to press charges against his persecutor only to find the legal system failing to find a verdict equal to crime. It was when he felt like there were no more options and his life was ruined, that his father came to him in the form of a sign. And in that moment, he decided to get help.

Matthew began speaking in front of high school audiences throughout the tri-state area, delivering a message of hope and perseverance. The awestruck reception led him to write his debut memoir, SWAY, the first story told by a child of 9/11. 

He is now 7 years into his recovery journey, with plans to continue writing and speaking about inspiration and resilience.

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