This page is in honor of - Mattie J. T. Stepanek

Mattie J. T. Stepanek lived and died a child, but he had the spirit of a giant. Affected by a rare and fatal neuromuscular disease, Mattie lived almost fourteen years but in that time became a poet, best-selling author, peace activist, and a prominent voice for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Before his death in June 2004, his five volumes of Heartsongs poetry sold more than a million copies.

On Being a Champion

by: Mattie J.T. Stepanek

A champion is a winner,

A hero...

Someone who never gives up

Even when the going gets rough.

A champion is a member of

A winning team...

Someone who overcome challenges

Even when it requires creative solutions.

A champion is an optimist,

A hopeful spirit...

Someone who plays the game,

Even when the game is called life...

Especially when the game is called life.

There can be a champion in each of us,

If we live as a winner,

If we live as a member of the team,

If we live with a hopeful spirit,

For life.

September, 1999