Mattie Stepanek
Ranked #5,797 in Entertainment, #64,903 overall | Donates to Squidoo Charity Fund, Global Giving
A Poet, Peacemaker and Philosopher
For this reason he was one of the Superheroes that I named for a Squidoo Superhero project in 2008.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association National Goodwill Ambassador, wrote six best-selling books. In 2001, a small publisher issued a slim volume of his poems, called "Heartsongs." Within weeks, the book reached the top of the Times' best-seller list.
He died in June 2004 just shy of his 14th birthday. (As pointed out by Oprah on her May 20th show, Mattie would have been 21 in June 2011.)
His mother Jeni, also afflicted with dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy is carrying on his legacy, with her book Messages and through the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation.
Images of Mattie from the Muscular Dystrophy Website.
Three Reasons to Admire Mattie Stepanek
- His gift of his HeartSong
- Sharing his spirit and his light
- His ability to keep dreaming until his dreams happened.
A New Hope for Peace: It's Not a Fairytale
Messengers
Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 02/16/2012)
Jeni Stepanek take a look at the story behind her son Mattie.
Learn about the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation and Park
- The Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation
- The Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, created in 2005 to continue the work of the late teen poet and peace activist, Mattie J.T. Stepanek.
- Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation Brochure
- PDF File of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation Brochure with more information about his foundation.
- Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park
- The 28-acre park site was dedicated to the citizens of Rockville by King Farm Associates as part of a 92-acre public park system for the King Farm neighborhood.
- Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park Opening - a set on Flickr
- WAFF travelled to Rockville, Maryland to support Mattie and his message, a big inspiration to WAFF, during the official opening of the 27-acre Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park on October 18, 2008. Hundreds were in attendance, including Oprah who made a surprise visit from Chicago.
Mattie Stepanek and Jimmy Carter
The Most Extraordinary Person - Mattie
We have known kings and queens, and we've known presidents and prime ministers, but the most extraordinary person whom I have ever known in my life is Mattie Stepanek.
Former President Jimmy Carter
Mattie Stepanek's Eulogy
Just Peace in the Amazon Spotlight
Just Peace: A Message of Hope
Amazon Price: $3.65 (as of 02/16/2012)
Mattie was working on this manuscript with Jimmy Carter when he died in June 2004. His mother, Jeni, who edited the material and wrote a preface for the book is publishing it at her son's request.
Just Peace is an intimate portrait of a president, a young man of hope, and peace itself.
Your Thoughts on Mattie Stepanek
He Left a Heart Print in My Life
With Mattie, the light of his life shined so brightly that every one of us who knew him, who were honored and had the grace to meet him, will feel the glow for the rest of our lives.
I know that his Heartsong has left a heart print in my life. A heart print that abides with me even now.
Oprah Winfrey
Remembering Mattie Stepanek
- Mattie Stepanek's Mission of Peace - Oprah.com
- Oprah's first-ever meeting with Mattie Stepanek, a gifted 11-year-old poet who suffers from muscular dystrophy.
A Featured Lens on Oprah
Mattie Stepanek & Jeni Stepanek
Mattie Stepanek and Jerry Lewis
Muscular Dystrophy Association
- Welcome to MDA, Helping Jerry's Kids
- Main Website for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
- Remembering Mattie Stepanek
- Remembering Mattie Stepanek on the Muscular Dystrophy Association's website.
- Mattie Stepanek - Poems
- Selected Poems by Mattie Stepanek on the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Remembering Mattie website.
A Squidoo Featured Lens on MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis
Poet, Peacemaker & Philosopher
What is a Heart Song?
A heartsong is something deep inside each of us. It's our sense of why we are here and how we can keep going. It's like a purpose.
It may be to live as a mommy or a daddy, or a firefighter or a delivery person, or a child with a disability who teaches others about patience and love and acceptance.
Journey Through HeartSongs - 2001
Journey Through Heartsongs
Amazon Price: $1.19 (as of 02/16/2012)
Mattie J.T. Stepanek takes us on a Journey Through Heartsongs with his moving poems. These poems share the rare wisdom that Mattie has acquired through his struggle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy and the death of his three siblings from the same disease.
His life view is one of love and generosity and as a poet and a peacemaker, his desire is to bring his message of peace to as many people as possible.
Hope Through HeartSongs - 2002
Hope Through Heartsongs
Amazon Price: $1.00 (as of 02/16/2012)
More of Mattie J.T. Stepanek's internationally inspiring poetry collected and published as Hope Through Heartsongs.
Former President Jimmy Carter wrote that "Mattie will inspire readers of all ages with thoughts and images that bring both tears and expanded hearts."
Peace is possible... it can begin simply over a game of chess
and a cup of tea.
Celebrate Through HeartSongs - 2002
Celebrate Through Heartsongs
Amazon Price: $2.88 (as of 02/16/2012)
Celebrate Through Heartsongs, his fourth inspiring collection of poetry, features works written between the ages of three and eleven, and continues to spread Mattie's message of universal hope, peace, courage, and love.
Fully illustrated by the poet, the collection will appeal to people of all ages, religions, and beliefs.
Loving Through HeartSongs - 2003
Loving Through Heartsongs
Amazon Price: $2.93 (as of 02/16/2012)
Loving Through Heartsongs, a beautiful collection of poems written about innocence and trusting love from a child's perspective.
Mattie's struggle with muscular dystrophy has never kept him from feeling deep love for his family, friends, country, and faith-heartfelt emotions that are reflected throughout these pages.
Think Gently,
Speak Gently, Live Gently
Reflections of a Peacemaker - 2005
Reflections of a Peacemaker: A Portrait Through Heartsongs
Amazon Price: $4.79 (as of 02/16/2012)
Reflections of a Peacemaker: A Portrait Through Heartsongs is the final collection of Heartsongs that Mattie was working on when he died.
Culled from the thousands of poems, essays, and journal entries Mattie left behind by his mother, the entries in Reflections of a Peacemaker create a portrait of Mattie in his own words.
Just Peace: A Message of Hope - 2006
Just Peace: A Message of Hope
Amazon Price: $3.65 (as of 02/16/2012)
Mattie was working on this manuscript with Jimmy Carter when he died in June 2004. His mother, Jeni, who edited the material and wrote a preface for the book is publishing it at her son's request.
Just Peace is an intimate portrait of a president, a young man of hope, and peace itself.
I have big dreams and I don't stop dreaming them until they happen.
Mattie Stepanek Books
I am...
I am spirit, I am voice
I am memory, not recalled
I am chance, I am cause
I am effort, blocked and walled
I am many, I am no one
I am seasoned by each being
I am me, I am you
I am all-souls now decreeing
Mattie J.T. Stepanek
Billy Gilman Sings I Am/Shades of Life
Music Through Heartsongs
Music Through Heartsongs
Amazon Price: $5.50 (as of 02/16/2012)
A collaboration of music and poetry as award-winning country artist Billy Gilman sings the Heartsongs of Mattie Stepanek.
I want to be remembered as a poet,
a peacemaker,
and a philosopher who played.
Mattie Stepanek
Eulogies and Tributes for Mattie Stepanek
- Eulogy for Mattie Stepanek
- Eulogy for Mattie Stepanek by Jimmy Carter from the Carter Center.
- Jimmy Carter Eulogy for Mattie Stepanek
- Jimmy Carter's Eulogy for Mattie Stepanek from the MDA website.
- Oprah Winfrey Eulogy for Mattie Stepanek
- Oprah Winfrey's Eulogy for Mattie Stepanek from the MDA website.
- Child poet Mattie Stepanek dies at 13 - U.S. news - MSNBC.com
- Child poet Mattie Stepanek, whose inspirational verse made him a best-selling writer and a prominent voice for muscular dystrophy sufferers, died Tuesday of a rare form of the disease at age 13.
- Jann Carl Eulogy for Mattie Stepanek
- Jann Carl's Eulogy for Mattie Stepanek from the MDA website.
- Remembering Mattie Stepanek
- Remembering Mattie Stepanek on the Muscular Dystrophy Association's website.
- Oprah's Tribute to Mattie Stepanek
- A tribute to Mattie Stepanek on Oprah.
- Heartsongs from Mattie Stepanek
- Poetry from Mattie Stepanek documenting his message of peace for the world.
The Latest Posts in the Blogosphere about Mattie Stepanek
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The Latest News about Mattie Stepanek
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byComments on Mattie Stepanek
Have you been touched by the wisdom of Mattie Stepanek?
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Nov 21, 2011 @ 9:03 pm | delete
- From the moment I first heard Mattie's message, his poems, his heartsongs, I knew there was much I could learn from his depth of spirit, from his old soul. I have known many extraordinary children in my lifetime, but truly, Mattie was perhaps the wisest individual I ever encountered. Hearing his mother, Jeni, speak on the video you provided, was powerfully moving. This tribute to Mattie Stepanek blessed me immensely. Thank you for the gift of this collection of wisdom.
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resabi
Jul 2, 2011 @ 11:43 am | delete
- I've been aware of Mattie's story for years. He was educated in our local school system and one of the projects unique to our system is the Write-a-Book program, in which students write, illustrate, and bind their own books. Mattie participated in this program for years, as did my daughter. Many children knew about him and found him an inspiration.
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HeavenBlessedMe
Jun 21, 2011 @ 5:14 am | delete
- I became a fan of Mattie's instantly,. He was a wonderful child who believed anything was possible, and no dream was too far to reach. I read all his poetry, and when he passed it touched me deeply, He taught us so much, and his legacy lives on to continue to teach others. Thank you Mattie for leaving your footprints on my heart. You are missed but never forgotten.
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HeavenBlessedMe
Jun 21, 2011 @ 5:14 am | delete
- I became a fan of Mattie's instantly,. He was a wonderful child who believed anything was possible, and no dream was too far to reach. I read all his poetry, and when he passed it touched me deeply, He taught us so much, and his legacy lives on to continue to teach others. Thank you Mattie for leaving your footprints on my heart. You are missed but never forgotten.
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Tammy from Clinton IL
Jun 13, 2009 @ 2:30 pm | delete
- I truely believe Mattie was an Angel sent from God to teach us all that it sometimes takes a child to show us how to love one another.
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JenOfChicago
Mar 25, 2009 @ 12:43 pm | delete
- Great tribute to a great kid.
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JenOfChicago
Mar 25, 2009 @ 12:43 pm | delete
- Great tribute to a great kid.
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Su
Oct 21, 2008 @ 12:31 pm | delete
- I am so glad that I happened upon the story of Mattie. What a spirit. I don't know how long it will take for my eyes to not be puffy and red. I will not forget Mattie and his message either, and I will share it with anyone who will listen. Blessings.
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Gandree
Oct 20, 2008 @ 7:41 am | delete
- Mattie was such a special little boy. We can all learn from his life.
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Anonymous
Sep 13, 2008 @ 4:47 pm | delete
- Mattie Stepanek is such a wonderful child.
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Benefiting Global Giving
Since Mattie message reached around the world, it seemed fitting to find a charity from the Squidoo charities that had a world-wide reach.This lens benefits global giving, a non-profit working to build an efficient, open, thriving marketplace that connects people who have community and world-changing ideas with people who can support them.
P.S. I made this lens for the Squidoo Superheroes Project
I was invited to participate in the Squidoo Superhero Project, making 5 lenses in 2 weeks about the people who have inspired me, mentored me or changed the way I look at the world.If you buy anything from this page, you'll automatically be sending a royalty straight to the Squidoo Charity Fund, which pays out to a variety of nonprofits every month.
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Messenger
Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs
Amazon Price: $3.83 (as of 02/16/2012)
Mattie's Mom tells his story and carries on his legacy.
Heartsongs Collection
Heartsongs Collection: The Poetry of Mattie J. T. Stepanek
Amazon Price: $14.33 (as of 02/16/2012)
An audiobook collection of Mattie's poetry.
