rare disease courage

"Play Your Heartsong for the World" — Mattie Stepanek, the Boy Who Wrote Bestsellers from a Wheelchair and Befriended a President

Mattie J.T. Stepanek was born with a rare neuromuscular disease that took the lives of his three siblings, yet he became a #1 New York Times bestselling poet by age eleven and a global ambassador for peace. His friendship with former President Jimmy Carter and his extraordinary poetry continue to inspire millions long after his passing at age thirteen.