Tom Harkin: “I ask the United States Senate to join me in tribute to Mattie Stepanek, a young man who accomplished so much, and…”

“I ask the United States Senate to join me in tribute to Mattie Stepanek, a young man who accomplished so much, and sadly, was taken from us this past Tuesday, June 22 at the age of 13 years. Like his three older siblings, Mattie died from complications of a rare form of muscular dystrophy. As anyone can testify who has seen Mattie on television, he was one brilliant person, and he had a big heart to match. At the age of three, he began writing poetry to cope with the death of his brother, writing messages of hope and inspiration, and selling millions of books. Mattie quickly became one of the most widely read poets in recent memory, and three of his volumes were on the New York Times' best-seller list. I would like to share one of Mattie's most inspirational poems. It is titled, "On Being a Champion." "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 overcomes 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." Mattie was a champion in every sense of the word and his poetry won the hearts of many admirers, from Oprah Winfrey to former President Carter.”