In this episode of Adversity to Inspiration: The JTD Coaches Me Podcast, Joann Tierney-Daniels, has a conversation with author Matthew Bocchi. Matthew's book, Sway, is the first memoir published by a surviving child of a 9/11 victim.

Matthew's father, John Bocchi, worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower.  Tragically, he was in his office on September 11, 2001, and didn't make it out alive that day.

After his father's death, nine-year-old Matthew began an obsessive quest to determine exactly how John died. He researched videotapes, pictures, blogs, anything that could potentially answer the question looming in his mind, did his father jump from the towers?

Matthew intimately delves into the psychological and emotional torment that ensued after his father’s death. With heartbreaking vulnerability, Matthew details how he was groomed and sexually assaulted by an uncle. Confused, betrayed, and grieving the loss of his father and his innocence,  Matthew spiraled down a bottomless pit of drug abuse, willfully risking his life over and over in search of the next high trying in vain to forget the past.

Now, at twenty-nine years old, Matthew is sober and sharing his story to help others overcome their grief and the stigma associated with sexual abuse.  Ultimately, Matthew's story is one of resiliency, triumph, happiness, and hope. Matthew's message is clear, no matter how far you fall, you can always rise again.

To learn more about Joann Tierney-Daniels, visit https://www.jtdcoachesme.com.  You can find additional information about Matthew Bocchi and his book, Sway, at https://www.simonandshuster.com/books/Sway/Matthew-John-Bocchi/9781642936407 and on Instagram at @mattyboch.

In this episode of Adversity to Inspiration: The JTD Coaches Me Podcast, Joann Tierney-Daniels, has a conversation with Mark Lynch.

Mark tragically lost his father in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Mark's father, Robert Henry Lynch, Jr., was the 2 World Trade Center property manager. Although he initially called his family to say he was outside and OK, Robert went back inside to help others escape the terror. He didn't make it out a second time.

Although difficult, Mark agreed to share his story with me in honor of his father and in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of September 11.

Mark's story and many other 9/11 surviving children inspired Mark's sister-in-law, Payton Lynch, to write a book detailing their tales of trauma to triumph. Mark's story is one of 3,000 stories (not including the 2,000 adult-age people who lost a parent that day and the countless others who have gone on to lose a parent due to 9/11 illnesses) that need to be told.

To learn more about Joann Tierney-Daniels, visit https://www.jtdcoachesme.com.  You can find additional information about Mark, Payton Lynch, or her book, Rise from the Ashes: Stories of Trauma, Resilience, and Growth from the Children of 9/11, on her website at https://www.paytonlynch.com. 

In this episode of Adversity to Inspiration: The JTD Coaches Me Podcast, Joann Tierney-Daniels, has a conversation with Jon Lynch.

Jon tragically lost his father in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Jon's father, Robert Henry Lynch, Jr., was the 2 World Trade Center property manager. Although he initially called his family to say he was outside and OK, Robert went back inside to help others escape the terror. He didn't make it out a second time.

Although difficult, Jon agreed to share his story with me in honor of his father and in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of September 11.

Jon's story and many other 9/11 surviving children inspired Jon's wife, Payton Lynch, to write a book detailing their tales of trauma to triumph. Jon's story is one of 3,000 stories (not including the 2,000 adult-age people who lost a parent that day and the countless others who have gone on to lose a parent due to 9/11 illnesses) that need to be told.

To learn more about Joann Tierney-Daniels, visit https://www.jtdcoachesme.com.  You can find additional information about Jon, Payton Lynch, or her book, Rise from the Ashes: Stories of Trauma, Resilience, and Growth from the Children of 9/11, on her website at https://www.paytonlynch.com.