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Office on DisabilityIn Sympathy… The Office on Disability is saddened by the recent passing of Mattie Stepanek, a genuine hero and inspiration for all people, both persons with disabilities and without. Mattie Stepanek, the child poet whose inspirational verse made him a best-selling writer and a prominent voice for those with muscular dystrophy, died Tuesday, June 22nd of complications related to a rare form of the disease . He was 13. His mother, Jeni, 44, has the adult-onset form of muscular dystrophy, and his three older siblings died of it in early childhood. Mattie had been hospitalized at Children's National Medical Center in Washington since early March for complications related to the disease that impaired most of his body's functions. In his short life, the diligent Mattie wrote five volumes of poetry that sold millions of copies. Three of the volumes reached the New York Times' best-seller list. He wrote four other books: "Journey Through Heartsongs," "Hope Through Heartsongs," "Celebrate Through Heartsongs" and "Loving Through Heartsongs." His poems brought him many admirers including Oprah Winfrey and former President Carter and made him one of the best-selling poets in recent years. Last year the Department of Health and Human Services was honored to present a Secretarial award to Mattie for his commitment to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities. Mattie's leadership and enthusiasm for life will surely be missed. Mattie touched so many lives in a relatively short period of time through his poetry, desire for peace, and unqualified celebration of life. He has led by shining example and demonstrated the principle that people can accomplish their dreams, no matter what obstacles may exist along the way. The Office on Disability remembers Mattie Stepanek as a poet, a peacemaker and a philosopher, but most importantly as a good friend. Last Revised: June 25, 2003 |
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