11 April 2008
Mattie J. T. Stepanek, Poet
By Chandley McDonald
Chandley McDonald is a writer for the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of International Information Programs.
Heartsongs figure a lot in Mattie Stepanek's poetry. As he described it, "Your heartsong is your inner beauty. It's the song in your heart that wants you to help make yourself a better person, and to help other people do the same. Everybody has one."
The young hero, who battled a rare form of muscular dystrophy for 13 years, was able to write inspirational poetry and essays, publish books, speak with his heroes, and lead a full life. Mattie succumbed to his illness in June 2004, but not without leaving a legacy of an exemplary life and wisdom far beyond his age.
Mattie's illness, dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy, left him with impaired automatic functions—breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, digestion, and utilization of oxygen. He attended public school until age nine, when the condition worsened and he had to use a wheelchair and have medical assistance with his normal day-to-day living. Even so, Mattie managed to travel, to read extensively, to produce his poetry, to collect rocks, and to become a spokesperson for muscular dystrophy. Among his honors were becoming National Goodwill Ambassador for MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) and a volunteer for a fantasy trip sponsored by United Airlines and Children's Hospice International.
As a champion for peace and global tolerance, Mattie appeared on many television programs, where he was interviewed by famous hosts. He even got to introduce his hero, former President Jimmy Carter, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. As an inspiration to people around the world, Mattie's message reached individuals of all ages, races, nationalities, faiths, abilities, and aspirations.
"People tell me I inspire them. And that inspires me. It's a beautiful circle, and we all go around together, with and for each other. What a gift." This quote comes directly from the extraordinary heartsong of Mattie Stepanek.
