fighting muscular dystrophy, and to become an advocate for world peace and for aid for
children with disabilities. He made a wide circle of friends and supporters, including
Oprah Winfrey and country singer Billy Gilman.
Although he had such a short life, Mattie’s beliefs and work live on after him. The many
foundations and programs dedicated to his memory have helped literally millions of
people around the world through scholarships and programs for peace. His poetry has
been set to music and performed at major concert halls. There are peace gardens,
exhibits, and statues commemorating his life and his philosophy that all the world needs
is “just peace.”
At Mattie’s funeral, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said that he had met kings and
queens, presidents and prime ministers, but that the most remarkable person he had ever
met in his life was Mattie Stepanek.
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