[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 112 (Thursday, July 17, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S4618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING MATTIE STEPANEK

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to the life 
of Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek, best known as Mattie, who passed 
away 10 years ago at the age of 13 from complications due to his rare 
form of muscular dystrophy. Though his death was a tragedy, his life 
was a triumph. He was a gifted author and noted peacemaker. He took a 
personal challenge and turned it into a tool of inspiration for all of 
us. Mattie once said, ``I want my message to live beyond me,'' and it 
does. His message of peace and hope has reached millions around the 
world.
  When Mattie was born in 1990 in Upper Marlboro, MD, doctors did not 
expect him to live longer than 24 hours. Mattie suffered from the same 
rare form of muscular dystrophy as his mother, his two brothers, and 
sister. His siblings all died before the age of 4. Though the disease 
eventually rendered him unable to walk and breathe on his own, Mattie 
was a survivor. He began writing poetry at the age of 3. He wrote poems 
about hope and peace. His philosophy was, ``Remember to play after 
every storm,'' and he did.
  Mattie believed that wishes can come true. He had three. The first 
was to talk peace with Jimmy Carter. They spoke several times through 
email correspondence. His second was to have his poems published in a 
book. He wrote the most successful volumes of poetry in the last 30 
years and became a seven-time New York Times bestselling author. His 
last was to see his poetry read on Oprah. He appeared on Oprah's show 
several times and became her good friend.
  In September 2001, Mattie faced a setback. He was so sick that his 
doctors warned a laugh could cause his damaged windpipe to collapse. 
But that did not stop Mattie from a spectacular recovery. His doctors 
could not explain his comeback from this brush with death, but Mattie 
knew what it was. It was hope, prayer, and just one in a series of 
miracles in a miraculous life.
  After the chaos and confusion of September 11 and the anthrax attacks 
on the Capitol, I was very grief stricken. I saw a little boy on TV 
reading poetry, offering hope and healing. Mattie comforted me and 
lifted my spirits. I contacted him through his hospital and visited 
with him and his mother in his home. In 2002, I presented Mattie with 
the Children's Hope Medal of Honor. This medal is given to young heroes 
who have shown valiant effort and courage in facing life's daily 
challenges. No one was more deserving of that medal than Mattie 
Stepanek.
  Today we must also remember Mattie's mother Jeni Stepanek. Like 
Mattie, she suffers physical challenges, but her heart, mind, and 
spirit remain strong. Without Jeni, Mattie would never have been able 
to share his beautiful, inspiring words with us. Mattie got his knack 
for public speaking from his mom. She writes and talks about children 
with disabilities. He also got his love of life from her. Jeni 
continues to inspire us all with her life, with Mattie's words, and 
most importantly, a message of peace and hope.
  In his poem entitled ``The Daily Gift,'' Mattie wrote:

     You know what?
     Tomorrow is a new day.
     And today is a new day.
     Actually, every day is a new day.
     Thank you, God,
     For all of these special and new days.

  This is how Mattie Stepanek lived his life--with appreciation, 
inspiration, and energy. That is why I wish to say: Thank you, God, for 
blessing us with the gift of Mattie Stepanek and his heart of 
songs.

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