[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       MATTIE J.T. STEPANEK PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 19, 2005

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, on June 24, 2004, this House passed a 
Resolution, H. Res. 695, honoring Mattie J.T. Stepanek and his 
``braveness, generosity of spirit, and efforts to raise awareness of 
Muscular Dystrophy.''
  Today I am pleased to note the June 18, 2005 groundbreaking for the 
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park at King Farm, to be constructed on the corner 
of Crestfield and Piccard Drive in Rockville, MD. Dedicated to a young 
man whose courage and vision for peace provide an example for all, his 
park will become a favorite for Maryland residents and visitors.
  A young poet who was diagnosed with neuromuscular disease known as 
dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy, Mattie Stepanek achieved 
international recognition when his collection of poems, Journey Through 
Heartsongs, which reached the New York Times Best Seller List in 2002. 
Mattie also authored four other books of poetry. He served as the 
National Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 
2002, 2003, and 2004, and in 2004 the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon was 
dedicated to him. Mattie also befriended Oprah Winfrey, and was 
featured often as a guest on her television program.
  One of his goals was to meet his hero, former President Jimmy Carter. 
When Mattie was hospitalized in September 2001, he got his chance. 
Nurses and staff recall that during their 15-minute conversation, 
Mattie did not discuss his illness with President Carter, focusing 
instead on problems affecting developing nations.
  The former President and Mattie developed a close friendship, and 
when Mattie passed away on June 22, 2004 at the age of 13, President 
Carter delivered a eulogy in which he recalled winning the Nobel Peace 
Prize. ``Mattie shared the honor that I had received,'' he noted.
  Mattie was a gifted poet, and a great companion to his mother, Jeni 
Stepanek. Mattie's sister, Katie, and his two brothers, Stevie and 
Jamie, died in early childhood from the same disease Mattie battled.
  Plans for the 26.2-acre memorial park include a statue of Mattie with 
his golden retriever, Micah. The park will plan activities specially 
designed for people with disabilities, and it will host an event each 
year for local schools in the spirit of Mattie's passion for peace.
  Mr. Speaker, Mattie was a child filled with compassion and 
imagination. He won the respect and friendship of a President and Nobel 
laureate, who continues to call Mattie the ``most extraordinary person 
whom [he has] ever known.''
  No one who met Mattie Stepanek could ever forget him. Now future 
generations of Marylanders--who will not have that opportunity--will be 
able to visit Mattie's park, celebrate his life, and enjoy the sunsets 
he loved so much.

                          ____________________