Mattie Stepanek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mattie J.T. Stepanek
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Stepanek in June 2004
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| Born |
Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek
July 17, 1990 Maryland
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| Died | June 22, 2004 (aged 13) |
Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek (born July 17, 1990 – died June 22, 2004), known as Mattie J.T. Stepanek, was an American poet. He published seven best-selling books of poetry and essays about peace. Before he passed away at age 13, Mattie became famous as a peace advocate and a speaker who inspired many. He wanted to be remembered as "a poet, a peacemaker, and a philosopher who played."
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Mattie's Life and Work
Matthew Stepanek was born on July 17, 1990. His parents separated when he was young. Mattie grew up in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and later lived in Rockville, Maryland. His biggest hero was former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. President Carter once said Mattie was "the most extraordinary person whom I have ever known."
Understanding Mattie's Health
Mattie had a very rare illness called dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy. This condition affects how the body's cells create energy. Sadly, his three older brothers and sisters also passed away from the same illness. Doctors didn't know about this condition until Mattie's mother was diagnosed with a similar mitochondrial disease in 1992. This was after all four children had been born.
Mattie's Books and Music
Mattie was a talented poet and speaker. He wrote six popular poetry books called Heartsongs. He also wrote a collection of essays about peace, which also became a best-seller.
Mattie wrote the lyrics for an album called Music Through Heartsongs. Sony produced this album, and Billy Gilman performed the songs. It was released in 2003 and became quite popular.
Mattie's Passing
Mattie Stepanek passed away at the age of 13. He died at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on June 22, 2004. He was buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Mattie's Lasting Impact
Soon after Mattie's death in 2004, a group of people in Rockville, Maryland, where he lived, started the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation. This non-profit group helps keep his message alive.
Peace Summits and Park
In 2008, the We Are Family Foundation held its first international 'Just Peace Summit'. This event was inspired by Mattie's book, Just Peace.
On October 21, 2008, the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park was opened in Rockville, Maryland. Famous people like Oprah Winfrey, Nile Rodgers, and Billy Gilman attended the dedication. The park has a special "Peace Garden." This garden was designed using ideas from Mattie's peace essays. In the Peace Garden, there is a life-size bronze statue of Mattie and his service dog, Micah. The park also features quotes and soundbites from Mattie.
Musical Tributes and Recognition
On June 6, 2010, a performance called "Heartsongs" took place at Carnegie Hall. It featured Mattie's poems set to music by composer Joseph Martin. A large choir performed the pieces.
In 2011, Oprah Winfrey said Mattie was one of her most memorable guests ever. This was during the final taping of her show. Oprah called him "a messenger for our times."
In 2013, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability honored Mattie. They gave him the Youth/Young Adult Leadership Award after his death.
Efforts for a National Peace Day
In 2013, Senator Barbara Mikulski from Maryland asked President Barack Obama to declare July 17 (Mattie's birthday) a national peace day. This was done to honor Mattie. In July 2014, Senator Ben Cardin joined Mikulski in supporting this idea. The Senate approved a resolution honoring Mattie's life and his message of peace. In 2017, the city of Rockville, Maryland, officially declared Mattie's birthday, July 17, as "Peace Day" forever in their city.
Possible Recognition by the Catholic Church
On September 21, 2012, a group called the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Guild was started. This group's goal is to gather information about Mattie's life. They are looking into the possibility of him being recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church.
On June 22, 2014, a special Memorial Mass was held. It took place at the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, D.C. This mass marked ten years since Mattie's passing.
Awards and Honors
- 1999 Melinda Lawrence International Book Award for inspirational written works from the Children's Hospice International
- 2004 Nu Skin Enterprises's Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2007 Independent Publisher's 'Peacemaker of the Year' Award
