[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 695 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                         July 22, 2004.
Whereas Mattie Stepanek was born on July 17, 1990, and was raised in Rockville, 
        Maryland;
Whereas Mattie Stepanek had mitochondrial myopathy, a rare form of muscular 
        dystrophy that affects heart rate, breathing, and digestion;
Whereas in 2002, 2003, and 2004, Mattie Stepanek served as the National Goodwill 
        Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), appearing with 
        MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis on the MDA Labor Day Telethon;
Whereas Mattie Stepanek was able to fulfill three of his dreams by publishing a 
        book of poetry, meeting his hero, former President Jimmy Carter, and 
        meeting Oprah Winfrey;
Whereas Mattie Stepanek has written five books of poetry, including Heartsongs, 
        Journey Through Heartsongs, Hope Through Heartsongs, Celebrate Through 
        Heartsongs, and Loving Through Heartsongs;
Whereas the poetry books written by Mattie Stepanek have sold more than 500,000 
        copies;
Whereas by the age of 13, Mattie Stepanek reached an 11th grade education level 
        through home schooling; and
Whereas on June 22, 2004, Mattie Stepanek lost his fight with muscular dystrophy 
        at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, District of 
        Columbia: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses its condolences to the family and friends of Mattie 
        Stepanek on his passing; and
            (2) honors the life of Mattie Stepanek for his braveness, generosity 
        of spirit, and efforts to raise awareness of muscular dystrophy.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.