Who I Am & What I’ve Been Through
I’m Matthew Raynor — a quadriplegic full-stack developer, artist, and writer who survived a catastrophic diving accident that left me paralyzed from the chest down.
Before that day, I was a commercial fisherman working off the coast of Montauk, living wild and braving storms. A dive meant to ease tendonitis ended my mobility — but began my rebirth. I taught myself how to use a computer with two styluses and voice commands. From that place of near-total limitation, I rebuilt my life with code, creativity, and spiritual grit.
What I Do – Art, Writing & Press
I’m a multidisciplinary creator. My drone and landscape photography becomes fine art prints. My memoir, Before Me After Me, documents my physical and spiritual transformation. My work has been shown in local art shows and featured in the press — ABC7 News, Newsday, The Southampton Press, and more — not just for surviving, but for creating beauty in the aftermath.
What I Build – Programming Projects
I’m a self-taught full-stack developer specializing in Django and Python. I built:
- A logistics system for an art moving company (EJ Art Mover)
- A full e-commerce store for selling my book and artwork
- A motivational AI chatbot trained on my writing
All this with zero hand function. Just styluses, voice commands, and unstoppable determination.
What I Inspire – Motivational Work
My mission is to inspire others who are in dark places. I share raw reflections on disability, recovery, and faith through Substack, TikTok, and YouTube. I’ve hosted AA meetings in a nursing home and write honestly about Buddhism, trauma, spiritual growth, and the power of discipline. I mix humor and heart to help others find their light — because I had to find mine the hard way.
Where I Show Up – Online
Across platforms, I share stories of resilience, code, art, and laughter. Find me at: