WASHINGTON – A bipartisan resolution honoring the life of Marylander Mattie Stepanek passed the U.S. House of Representatives by unanimous consent before adjournment last night. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin introduced the resolution in June to celebrate "Mattie’s life and to express the nation’s sadness at his death on June 23 from a rare form of muscular dystrophy." Mattie, who passed away at the age of 13, lived in Rockville, MD, and had served as the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s National Goodwill Ambassador from 2002-2004.

The resolution recognized Mattie’s bravery, generosity and dedication in focusing national attention on muscular dystrophy. Mattie’s mother, Jeni, has an adult form of the disease and his three older siblings died of muscular dystrophy in early childhood.

Mattie wrote five books of poetry, which sold more than 500,000 copies. He began writing poetry at age three as a way to cope with his brother’s death. Before his death, Mattie fulfilled three wishes: to publish a book of his poetry, to meet his hero, Jimmy Carter, and to meet Oprah Winfrey.

"I am pleased that Mattie’s courage and determination in the face of a deadly disease was recognized by our nation. We came to love and cherish Mattie, and his efforts on behalf of muscular dystrophy inspired all of us," said the Congressman on passage of the resolution.

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