WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin today introduced a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives celebrating the life of 13-year-old Mattie Stepanek and expressing sadness at his death on Tuesday of a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Mattie lived in Rockville, MD, and had served as the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s National Goodwill Ambassador from 2002-2004.

The resolution recognizes 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.

"Mattie symbolized courage and hope in the face of a deadly disease. Millions of Americans learned more about muscular dystrophy through Mattie’s efforts. At the same time, we all came to love and care about him," said Rep. Cardin in introducing the resolution.

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