Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Mattie J.T. Stepanek began writing poetry and short stories at the age of three. Some of his works explore the uncensored reality of living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and with the grief associated with the loss of his three siblings to the same life-threatening condition. In 2001, Mattie served as the Maryland State Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 2002, he will serve as both the National Ambassador and the State Ambassador for the MDA. He lived with his mother, Jeni, in Upper Marlboro, MD, where he was home schooled.