Mattie+Stepanek

K'trina R.

Aruna, Jain. "In Rockville, a Place to Reflect on Mattie; Plans Advance for Park to Honor Late Teen > Poet." Washington Post [Washington DC] 19 Jan. 2006, Final ed.: T03-03.

This article talks about the park in Rockville that is being dedicated to Mattie. It is fairly close to Mattie’s former home. The park will not be a memorial or sad tribute, but instead a place to remember Mattie. There will also be a bronze statue of Mattie created. Mattie always wanted people to find comfort and peace within themselves. Hundreds of people attended Mattie’s funeral which shows he had a dramatic effect on people. The idea of the statue didn’t just appear from one person in one day. The people were talking and discussing something to do for Mattie. They eventually decided on a statue. Mattie’s messages have been spread throughout the entire world including Africa. An African teenage girl told Oprah Winfrey that she wanted to have an afternoon of tea with Mattie.

"Goodbye to a Poet." People 5 July 2004: 88-88.

This magazine article tells about the books Mattie wrote. One time in Mattie’s life his heart stopped, yet he woke up again. He told jokes and talked about making peace. Mattie’s mom also tells about the final moments of his life. She climbed out of her wheelchair and lied in bed with him. She told him she loved him. Mattie suffered greatly in the last couple weeks of his life. Even though Mattie’s body was worn out, his spirit was not. Mattie continually talked about peace. He died at 1:30 p.m. and his body was still warm at 6:00 p.m. because of his strong spirit. Mattie said he wanted to be remembered as a poet, a peacemaker, and a philosopher. Mattie wanted people to have a celebration for him to die. He didn’t want people to feel sorry for him.

Long, Levi J. "Remembering a Young Poet." AZ StarNet. 16 June 2005. Arizona Daily Star. 8 Mar. 2009 > .

This article talks about Mattie and his mother. Mattie’s mother tells about the struggle of the last few months of his life. Mattie wrote five best-selling poetry books. More than one million people in the United States are affected by muscular dystrophy. Mattie’s mother continues to carry on his messages of peace and hope. Mattie’s voice was heard by many muscular dystrophy sufferers. He had many inspirational verses. Before he died Mattie told his mother to publish his last two manuscripts. They included his most powerful words. He wanted to reach out and help as many people as he possibly could. An MDA Mattie Endowment Fund has been established in his name. It supports postdoctoral research and children’s programs.

Maryles, Daisy. "Handsprings for Heartsongs." Publishers Weekly 28 Jan. 2002: 141-141.

Mattie had three wishes. All three of them came true before he died at the young age of 13. His three wishes were: to publish his poetry, to meet Jimmy Carter, and to appear on Oprah. He remained good friends with Jimmy and Oprah until his death. Jimmy Carter was his hero. Many people have been moved by Mattie’s writing. Mattie’s books hit the best-selling lists. People want to learn about him so they buy his books. Everyone purchasing and reading Mattie’s books shows that his writing affects people and they want his help. Mattie wanted to be a peacemaker just like Jimmy Carter.

"Mattie Stepanek Courageous Young Poet." USA Today 29 May 2007, News sec.: 02a-2a.

This article includes one of Mattie’s poems. Mattie’s mother says a few things in it. The director of the My Hero Project, Jeanne Meyers, also talks about Mattie. Mattie’s favorite line was “Remember to play after every storm.” Through this article I can see that Mattie didn’t sit around feeling sorry for him. He showed that he didn’t just care about himself. Even though Mattie suffered from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, he made the best of what he had. Mattie was not angry that he was the one who had the disease. He believed we need to celebrate life everyday. His mother taught him how to cope with death and move on. He lost three other siblings.

"MDA Ambassador, Best-Selling Author Mattie Stepanek Dies at 13; leaves a legacy of peace, hope." > MDA-Helping Jerry's Kids. Ed. Bob Mackle. Muscular Dystrophy Association. 7 Mar. 2009 > > .

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) mourned the death of Mattie. He was the Goodwill Ambassador for their organization. Mattie was the best-selling author of five poetry books. He was also a peace advocate and a volunteer. Even at a young age, Mattie had the courage to speak in front of more than 5,000 students. Mattie made people want to reach for the best within themselves. “His personality just wanted to make you smile,” said Jerry Lewis, the MDA National Chairman. He was a shining star. Mattie understood that doctors would probably not find a cure for his disease in his lifetime, but continually hoped that they eventually would. For Mattie’s kind words and peaceful attitude, he received many awards.

Michele, Deppe. "A Mind to Rhyme." Winner Oct. 2004: 10-13.

Mattie likes to write about anything. TV talk show host Larry King thought that Mattie’s poems would make great songs. Mattie and Billy Gilman went to work on the album. They enjoyed each other’s company. This article contains many inspiring words from Mattie. He is very big into peace. Mattie got to meet Jimmy Carter on Good Morning America and was thrilled. Mattie’s mind was very active for he mastered most high school subjects. Mattie served as Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He hoped that people would be supportive so doctors can find cures to diseases like his. Mattie showed that even though his muscles were weak, he could still use his brain. Mattie strongly believed in peace. He hoped that everyone could live in peace with each other. Peace is exactly what we need in our world right now.

Underwood, Kim. "'In Love With Life'; Young Poet, Born with Rare Neuromuscular Disease, Was Wise > Beyond his Years & Touched Many Before his Death at 13." Winston-Salem Journal 9 Mar. 2006, Metro > ed.: 1-1.

This article tells of Mattie’s comforting words. Mattie was born with extraordinary mental and spiritual gifts. At age three, Mattie learned to read on his own. He also began to “write” his poems. Mattie told them to his mother who then wrote them down. When he was four, Mattie could write down the poems by himself. Mattie met many celebrities. He appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show and talked to Jimmy Carter about peace. Even though Mattie lived just short of 14 years, he still touched the hearts of many people. His words about the importance of living each day to the fullest are enlightening. Mattie hoped that people would quit taking life for granted. Even though Mattie had celebrity friends, he did not think he was better than everyone else. He felt fine about the person he was before he met them. Mattie made people feel good about who they were.

Xaykaothao, Doualy, Jimmy Carter, and Mattie Stepanek. "Profile: Eleven-year-old Mattie Stepanek's > Poetry." National Public Radio. Morning Edition. 28 Dec. 2001.

This article is a conversation between Mattie, former President Jimmy Carter, and a radio host. It also gives a little background information on Mattie and what he liked. Mattie explains and talks about writing his poems. Carter praises Mattie for what he’s done. The host gives information and the other two expand on it. This article definitely shows that Mattie can be considered a good role model. Mattie says that he has trouble with writing sometimes, but he doesn’t give up. He keeps working at it and eventually gets what he wants. That shows he always stays strong. Mattie aspired to be a peacemaker, which I believe we need more of in our world today. He doesn’t want people to make a big deal out of his best-selling books. He just hoped that people would find peace when reading them. It shows he is very unselfish.