[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF MATTHEW STEPANEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 25, 2004

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, this June 22nd, a courageous young man was 
taken from our midst. Thirteen-year-old Matthew Stepanek was full of 
life, happiness, and brilliance.
  Mattie, as he liked to be called, had a lifelong struggle with 
muscular dystrophy, but never let the disease curb his enthusiasm, nor 
hinder his creativity. In 2001, Mattie courageously stated, ``My life 
mission is to spread peace to the world.'' Despite losing his battle 
with muscular dystrophy at such a young age, Mattie managed to spread 
happiness to the world through his poems.
  Mattie began writing poetry at age three to cope with the death of a 
brother. In his short life, this tireless young man wrote five volumes 
of poetry that sold millions of copies. Three of the volumes reached 
the New York Times' best-seller list.
  Mattie is survived by his loving mother Jeni, who first recognized 
Mattie's talent and wrote down his poems for him. Unfortunately, Jeni 
also suffers from the adult-onset form of the disease. The disease also 
took the lives of his two brothers and sister.
  Mr. Speaker, today, I ask this House to celebrate and remember the 
life of Mattie Stepanek. He was a brave young man whose genius impacted 
everyone who encountered him. His selflessness, courage, and talent are 
something we can all honor and admire.

                          ____________________