S.Res. 509 — Agreed to in Senate

III 113th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 509 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 21, 2014 Ms. Mikulski (for herself and Mr. Cardin) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION A resolution honoring the extraordinary and courageous life of Mattie Stepanek. Whereas Matthew Mattie Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek, was born on July 17, 1990, in Rockville, Maryland; Whereas Mattie Stepanek was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy—Dysautonomic Mitochondrial Myopathy; Whereas the siblings of Mattie Stepanek—Katie, Stevie, and Jamie—were diagnosed with the same rare disease; Whereas Mattie Stepanek began writing poetry, short stories, and essays to deal with grief over the death of his siblings; Whereas the writings of Mattie Stepanek reflected his deep understanding of our ever-evolving world and the need for hope and peace; Whereas Mattie Stepanek became a 7-time New York Times best-selling author; Whereas Mattie Stepanek gave inspiration and educational speeches to audiences ranging from school children to business leaders and politicians; Whereas Mattie Stepanek spoke about spirituality, disability, education, and health care, delivering a message of hope and peace to his audiences; Whereas the words of Mattie Stepanek inspired millions of people around the world, including the 39th President of the United States, who was a friend of Mattie and delivered his eulogy; Whereas Mattie Stepanek engaged in public service, working with Children’s Hospice International to improve guidelines for the health and hospice care of children and serving as a 3-term National Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association; Whereas Mattie Stepanek has been honored with numerous awards, during his lifetime and posthumously, including the Children’s Hope Medal of Honor and induction into the Kids Hall of Fame; Whereas Mattie Stepanek passed away on June 22, 2004, at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; Whereas the mother of Mattie continues to raise awareness about the message of hope and peace that Mattie delivered and led the effort to create the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in Rockville, Maryland; Whereas the Mattie Stepanek Foundation celebrates July 17th as Mattie Stepanek World Peace Day; and Whereas recognizing the 24th birthday of Mattie Stepanek honors the compassion and dedication to hope that Mattie embodied: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate honors the extraordinary life and legacy of Matthew Mattie Stepanek.